Following the oath-taking of the new cabinet, signs of underlying dissatisfaction and frustration have become evident among grassroots leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Those who endured years of repression, legal harassment, arrests, and political persecution but were not awarded any positions are expressing growing resentment, which has also spread among their supporters.Discussions and criticisms are ongoing at district, metropolitan, and upazila levels within the party. Many leaders are questioning why their long-standing contributions to movements and political struggles have not been properly recognized.

Grassroots leaders allege that during politically challenging times, they remained active on the streets, faced repeated arrests, and sacrificed time with their families to participate in party programs. Yet many of them have not only been excluded from the cabinet but also from significant party or government responsibilities. This has led to deep disappointment among their followers. Some activists argue that “politics of sacrifice” no longer receives priority, and instead, those who are seen as beneficiaries are being favored.

According to party sources, several individuals included in the newly announced cabinet were not particularly active in grassroots politics in the past. Allegations suggest that some did not regularly participate in meetings, rallies, or protest programs and remained largely silent during political crises. Nevertheless, they have now been entrusted with important government portfolios. This has intensified dissatisfaction among leaders and activists who have long suffered legal cases and political persecution.

Several grassroots leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We spent years on the streets. We carried the burden of police cases and could not return home safely. Now we see that those who were never at the forefront are occupying major positions.” They claim that no clear criteria were followed in evaluating dedicated leaders.

Questions have also arisen over the appointment of several candidates who were defeated in elections to key positions. Many believe that granting high office to those rejected by voters sends the wrong message to party workers at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, some leaders who won elections or maintained strong influence in their constituencies have been left out of the cabinet. The exclusion of several prominent and influential leaders from Dhaka has sparked widespread internal discussion.

Although senior party leaders have refrained from making public comments, party insiders indicate that many have privately expressed disappointment. Some are reportedly mentally distressed, and a few are said to be undergoing medical treatment. Their followers have also become disheartened, with some voicing frustration on social media while others remain silent.

Political analysts note that a gap between expectations and reality during a change in power or cabinet formation is not unusual. However, if such a gap becomes prolonged and widens the distance between grassroots workers and the leadership, it could negatively impact the organization. For a party that spent a long time in opposition and actively engaged in movements, expectations among dedicated activists tend to be particularly high.

Another significant issue is that many committed activists still face multiple pending legal cases. Over the past decade and a half of political struggle, numerous leaders and activists were arrested, persecuted, and financially devastated. Many have yet to return to normal life. Some families, having lost their means of livelihood, are living in severe hardship. They allege that while they stood by the party during difficult times, they are now being overlooked in better times. Some have stated that there has been no visible effective initiative to withdraw cases or ensure rehabilitation.

Grassroots leaders believe that without swift and coordinated measures, internal resentment could deepen. They are demanding proper recognition of dedicated and tested leaders, legal assistance to resolve pending cases, rehabilitation support for affected families, and greater transparency and accountability within the organization. There are also calls for establishing clear policies for future distribution of responsibilities.

Although top party leaders have not made any official statements, insiders suggest that the leadership is monitoring the situation. Efforts to ease tensions may include organizing meetings with grassroots representatives. Many acknowledge the necessity of taking effective steps to preserve party unity and restore confidence among activists.

Overall, the formation of the new cabinet has created an uneasy atmosphere within the party. Observers believe that unless the gap between the expectations of dedicated activists and the leadership’s decisions is addressed promptly, it could have long-term implications for party unity, organizational strength, and political activities. The key question now is how swiftly and effectively the leadership can manage the discontent and rebuild trust at the grassroots level.