Questions over the recognition of long-serving activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have reportedly surfaced within various circles of the party. Among those drawing attention is Arifur Rahman Tushar, an activist known among his associates for his involvement in the party’s political activities during challenging times. Despite years of service and taking risks while carrying out party responsibilities, Tushar has yet to receive the recognition his close associates and well-wishers believe he deserves.
They argue that activists who demonstrated commitment, courage and sacrifice during the party’s difficult years should be appropriately recognised. Otherwise, they warn, the growing influence of opportunistic and so-called “hybrid” leaders could deepen frustration among long-serving and dedicated party workers.
Tushar currently serves as the personal assistant to Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, a senior BNP leader. Born and raised in Bogura, Tushar began his political journey during his student years through the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student wing. He subsequently became involved in the party’s organisational activities and continued working closely with Rizvi.
According to people close to him, Tushar has served as one of Rizvi’s trusted aides for more than a decade. His associates describe him as honest, dedicated and religiously observant. They say that prioritising party responsibilities over personal interests has been a defining feature of his political career.
Taking Risks to Manage Technical Responsibilities
One of the most significant chapters of Tushar’s political life, according to his associates, relates to his activities during the previous government’s tenure.
They claim that over the past 15 years, Tushar played an important technical role in facilitating Skype communications between BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who was based in London, and party leaders at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka.
According to his associates, managing these politically sensitive communications exposed him to considerable risks. They allege that Tushar was arrested several times by law enforcement agencies during the previous government’s tenure and subjected to physical abuse.
His close associates further claim that during the student-led mass uprising, security forces under the then government conducted raids at several locations in an effort to arrest him.
Tushar, who is also identified as a former member of the central committee of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, the BNP’s volunteer wing, was repeatedly subjected to political persecution, according to people familiar with his political activities.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response from the relevant authorities has been included in the available information.
Calls for Proper Recognition
Following recent political changes, discussions have emerged over the distribution of responsibilities within the BNP and the appointment of qualified individuals to important positions in the party and administration.
In this context, Tushar’s well-wishers believe that the experience, loyalty and contributions of long-serving activists like him should receive due consideration.
They argue that overlooking those who performed important duties during the party’s difficult years, faced political pressure and remained consistently involved in organisational activities could negatively affect the morale of dedicated activists.
Some grassroots party workers are also said to be dissatisfied with what they perceive as inadequate recognition of long-standing contributions. They believe that individuals who joined the party during more favourable political circumstances should not be given priority at the expense of those who remained committed during periods of adversity.
According to them, appointments and the allocation of responsibilities should be based on a balanced assessment of political commitment, experience, competence and sacrifice.
A Broader Message for the Party
Recognition of activists’ contributions, organisational discipline and merit-based appointments are generally considered important elements of a political party’s long-term cohesion. For a major political organisation such as the BNP, drawing on the experience of its long-serving members could help strengthen internal unity and organisational stability.
The concerns surrounding Tushar therefore extend beyond the question of an individual’s appointment or career prospects. They also reflect a broader debate over how the contributions of activists who stood by the party during difficult periods should be acknowledged.
However, no official statement regarding Tushar’s future responsibilities or any decision on his appointment has been provided in the available information.
For any political activist, recognition of years of dedication and sacrifice can be an important source of motivation. It remains to be seen how the BNP’s policymakers will assess Tushar’s contributions and whether further steps will be taken to recognise the service of long-standing and tested party workers.