Despite being a party that held state power three times, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had hundreds of top-tier leaders. Yet, according to many grassroots activists, only a handful of leaders—most notably Ruhul Kabir Rizvi—remained accessible to ordinary party workers during difficult times. Over the past 17 years of political আন্দোলন (movements), imprisonment, and repression, BNP, in the eyes of many, became almost synonymous with Rizvi. He was widely recognized as a leader who actively participated in party activities and maintained consistent communication with grassroots workers.
A Party Marked by Cases and Repression
Internal party data reveal the extent of legal challenges faced by BNP leaders and activists. Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alone faces 180 cases. Chairman’s Special Assistant Shamsur Rahman (Shimul Biswas) has 119 cases against him. Joint Secretary General Barrister M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon faces 15 cases, Advocate Mujibur Rahman Sarwar 14, and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal as many as 254 cases.
The scale extends far beyond top leadership. Approximately 138,071 cases have been filed against BNP leaders and activists overall, with more than 4 million individuals accused. This vast number highlights the magnitude of political pressure faced by the party over the years.
Among senior leaders, Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain faces 7 cases, Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar 4, Mirza Abbas 48, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy 32, Nazrul Islam Khan 6, and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury 6 cases.
Members of the Chairperson’s Advisory Council have also faced numerous cases: Aman Ullah Aman with 134 cases, Mizanur Rahman Minu with 18, Zainal Abedin Faruk with 12, and Professor Zainal Abedin (VP) with 7.
Among vice chairmen and senior figures, Abdullah Al Noman faces 3 cases, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed 5, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury 11, Barkat Ullah Bulu 135, Mohammad Shahjahan 17, and Abdus Salam Pintu 19 cases.
Several senior leaders who have since passed away also faced numerous legal challenges during their lifetimes. Tariqul Islam had 49 cases, M. K. Anwar 19, Brigadier General (Retd.) A. S. M. Hannan Shah 41, Barrister Moudud Ahmed 28, Shah Moazzem Hossain 4, and Sadeque Hossain Khoka 27 cases.
Beyond the central leadership, organizational and departmental leaders have also faced significant legal pressure. Organizational Secretary Advocate Abdus Salam Azad has 41 cases, Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu 47, Nazrul Islam Manju 19, and Syed Emran Saleh Prince 3. Publicity Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie faces 47 cases, Information Secretary Azizul Bari Helal 17, and Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu 87 cases.
According to BNP leaders, in Dhaka metropolitan area alone, 17,583 cases were filed across 50 থানা (police stations), illustrating the scale of legal and political pressure. faced by party activists.
Rizvi’s Role During Difficult Times
During the 17 years when BNP remained in opposition, party workers often lacked any effective support structure or leadership access. In that “situation, Rizvi emerged as one of the few leaders who stood beside grassroots activists.
He reportedly maintained communication with journalists, party workers, and even their families, providing a sense of আশ্রয় (support) during “difficult time. His role helped sustain morale among activists who faced মামলা, জেল, and political repression.
A Rapid Decline in Influence
However, political analysts note a striking shift. Within just a month and a half of returning to power, the influence of Rizvi—and other similarly affected Leaders—has begun to fade.
Not only the general public but also party leaders and activists appear to be gradually distancing themselves from figures who once symbolized resistance. Analysts interpret this as a reflection of internal instability and uncertainty in leadership dynamics within the party.
Many grassroots workers now feel that leaders who have secured influential positions are no longer connected to those who endured years of repression. In some cases, They allege that, senior leaders do not even recognize or know the names of long-suffering activists.
Growing Frustration Among Grassroots Workers
This disconnect has led to frustration among tested and persecuted party members. Many of them still look for Rizvi as a symbol of accessibility and support.
One experienced party leader commented:
“Many of us are no longer remembered. Those who are now in power do not even recognize grassroots workers. Rizvi was the only one who stood by us during difficult times.”
Grassroots activists echo this sentiment. For them, Rizvi was not just a leader but a source of guidance and আশ্রয়. His declining visibility has deepened feelings of alienation. (alienation).
Internal Challenges and Leadership Gaps
Political analysts argue that the current situation reflects deeper structural issues within BNP. The failure to acknowledge the contributions of long-time activists has created internal dissatisfaction.
On one side, leaders holding influential positions are focused on maintaining their authority. On the other, grassroots workers—who bore the brunt of political repression—feel ignored and undervalued.
This imbalance is contributing to growing distance within the party and weakening internal cohesion.
A Lesson for the Future
Observers believe that Rizvi’s trajectory offers an important lesson for BNP. Political power alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by accountability, integrity, and continued engagement with grassroots Worker.
Failure to do so risks creating internal fragmentation, dissatisfaction, and loss of trust among the party’s core supporters.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi once stood as a powerful symbol of BNP’s movement, protest, and resistance. However, within a short period after returning to power, his influence appears to be diminishing.
This shift highlights a broader issue within the party: the neglect of long-time, persecuted activists. Many of them continue to seek recognition and connection—something they once found in leaders like Rizvi.
For BNP, this moment serves as a critical warning. Without recognizing the sacrifices of its grassroots members and ensuring responsible leadership, maintaining party unity and stability will remain a significant challenge.