A section of grassroots activists and leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who have remained active on the streets during years of political movements and struggles, are calling for greater recognition, respect and organisational status for long-serving and persecuted party workers.
Many of these grassroots activists say they have devoted significant portions of their personal and family lives to the party, particularly during difficult periods. They claim that despite years of political pressure, cases, arrests, attacks and other forms of hardship, they now feel that their contributions are not receiving the recognition they had expected.
According to grassroots activists, many of them remained involved in BNP programmes for nearly two decades despite difficult circumstances. Some spent nights on the streets during political programmes, while others faced legal cases, arrest, violence and pressure because of their political activities. Many also say their political involvement affected their family lives and careers.
They say they had expected that their sacrifices would receive appropriate recognition once the party returned to a more favourable political environment. However, a section of grassroots activists alleges that this expectation has not been fully met.
They further allege that, at various levels, individuals who joined the party more recently, as well as influential groups and people considered personally close to senior leaders, are sometimes receiving greater attention than long-serving activists. According to the grassroots, this has contributed to frustration and a sense of being overlooked among veteran party workers.
The activists argue that committed workers form an important organisational foundation of any political party. Those who remain with the party during difficult times, they say, should not be overlooked when political circumstances become more favourable. Their stated demand is not for personal privilege or special benefits, but for organisational recognition, dignity and meaningful participation in party activities.
Questions have also been raised at the grassroots level about the relationship between elected representatives and long-serving party activists in different constituencies. Some activists allege that communication gaps have developed between elected representatives and veteran workers, while concerns have also been raised about the influence of personal networks and relatives in local political activities.
Grassroots activists are therefore calling for elected representatives to maintain regular communication with long-serving party workers and ensure their meaningful participation in organisational activities.
They have also called for the political backgrounds and organisational contributions of those who became associated with the BNP after August 5 to be considered when assigning organisational responsibilities. At the same time, they stress that welcoming new supporters should not come at the expense of the dignity and recognition of veteran activists who remained with the party during difficult periods.
A section of the grassroots believes that many BNP activists remained committed to the party throughout its long political journey because of their attachment to the political ideals associated with Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. They say their primary loyalty has been to the party and its political ideals rather than to individual officeholders.
Against this backdrop, grassroots activists are urging the party's policymakers to engage directly with field-level leaders and workers, listen to their grievances and reassess the organisational roles of long-serving activists. They also want a stronger communication mechanism between local elected representatives, party leaders and grassroots workers.
Many grassroots activists believe that direct communication from the party's top leadership could help reduce the frustration that has accumulated over the years. They want an assurance that the contributions of those who stood by the party during difficult times have not been forgotten.
The central message from these veteran activists is that they remained in politics not primarily for personal benefits or positions, but because of their commitment to the party and its political ideals. They therefore want new supporters to be welcomed while ensuring that long-serving activists are not overlooked.
They are calling on the party leadership to reconnect with its grassroots, listen to their concerns and ensure their meaningful participation in organisational activities. According to them, the strength of a political party lies not only in its elected representatives or central leadership, but also in the dedication, sacrifice and long-term organisational commitment of its grassroots workers.
BNP's Response
When asked about the recognition and current situation of grassroots party workers, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “Workers are the lifeblood of a political party. The BNP also believes that its grassroots activists have kept the party organised for years and have carried forward the political ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Therefore, recognising and valuing their contributions is extremely important for the party.”
He said grassroots activists are the foundation of the BNP's political activities. Those who have remained active in party programmes despite adverse political circumstances have always been important to the party, he said.
Rizvi also said that maintaining regular communication with field-level workers and remaining aware of their problems and expectations is an important part of the party's organisational activities.
He further said that local elected representatives and senior party leaders have already been instructed to maintain regular contact with grassroots activists and inquire about their situation.
According to Rizvi, the party will continue this process in the future as well.
He said, “The BNP has been with its activists, remains with them and will continue to stand with them.” He added that the party would continue taking necessary steps to strengthen grassroots activists organisationally, unite them and ensure their due dignity and recognition.