According to conversations with party leaders and workers across various districts, a quiet sense of disappointment and unease has emerged within one of the country’s major political parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), just three months after coming to power. After 16 years of political repression, lawsuits, attacks, and crackdowns, many grassroots-level activists are reportedly now uncertain about their future, even though the party has finally assumed office.
A section of party leaders also believes that due to various governmental limitations, organizational indecision, and failure to meet grassroots expectations, BNP’s popularity is gradually beginning to decline. At the same time, dissatisfaction and frustration over the distribution of party positions are reportedly increasing among activists.
Government Priorities and Leadership Agenda
According to party sources, current government head Tarique Rahman has been placing special emphasis on anti-corruption measures, administrative reforms, and restoring economic stability. Various steps are reportedly being taken to rebuild a state structure damaged by prolonged political instability and corruption.
Improving law and order, increasing investment, creating employment opportunities, and restoring a stable business environment have also been prioritized.
Structural Challenges and Expert Opinion
Political analysts, however, argue that BNP assumed office on 12 February amid a severely weakened state system, a fragile economy, deteriorating law and order, and a collapsing business environment. In such a situation, resolving long-standing national problems overnight is not realistic for any government.
They note that restoring economic stability, rebuilding administrative structures, and regaining public trust are now the government’s biggest challenges. Analysts suggest that grassroots workers must also show patience and responsibility in light of this reality.
Economic Discontent at the Grassroots Level
Analysts further say that BNP activists, long accustomed to opposition politics, have experienced a major shift in reality after coming to power. In particular, the closure of various informal income sources at the local level—such as river ghats, bridge toll collection, market fees, transport stands, and roadside collections—has created financial pressure on many workers.
Allegations suggest that during the previous 16 years, many of these sectors were controlled by Awami League–affiliated activists, generating significant shared income. However, after August 5, BNP took a strict stance against extortion and irregularities, effectively shutting down these income channels. As a result, dissatisfaction has grown among some grassroots workers, and party enthusiasm has reportedly declined.
Expectations vs Reality
Grassroots leaders say that many activists who were active during years of street protests expected that coming to power would bring both political and financial relief. However, they are not seeing that expectation reflected in reality.
Instead, administrative limitations and a strict anti-corruption stance have shut down many informal local income streams. This has led to silent frustration among a portion of party workers.
Business and Economic Constraints
It is also alleged that during the previous government, many BNP-affiliated businessmen and contractors had their licenses revoked or made inactive. After the change in government, many public tenders and large projects are still reportedly controlled by Awami League–linked businessmen or holders of old licenses.
Grassroots BNP leaders claim that those who were persecuted during the movement have still not been able to recover financially.
Cabinet Formation and Internal Discontent
Another major source of dissatisfaction within the party is related to cabinet formation. Many long-tested and veteran organizers have reportedly been left out of ministerial or key positions, causing disappointment among their supporters.
In several areas, activists who had been active around certain leaders have also become inactive after those leaders were not given positions, resulting in organizational stagnation.
Party Position Distribution Controversy
There is also growing resentment in various districts regarding party appointments. Grassroots complaints suggest that individuals who were not active during the movement—or even controversial figures—have been given important positions, while long-time field workers have been ignored.
This has further deepened internal dissatisfaction.
Property Recovery Issues
Many BNP activists also claim that their homes, businesses, and land were occupied during previous years. After coming to power, they expected swift recovery of their properties. However, due to administrative complications and fear of political backlash, many are unable to take effective action.
There are also allegations that anyone attempting to reclaim property is being labeled as an “extortionist” or “land grabber,” making the situation more difficult for affected activists.
Rural Organizational Weakness
According to political observers, BNP’s organizational weakness is more visible in rural areas than in cities. Field visits suggest that while supporters of Jamaat and Awami League remain active in village markets and tea stalls after evening hours, BNP presence is comparatively lower.
Many grassroots workers appear less confident and less enthusiastic than before.
Local activists say they are uncertain about their political future and feel that the central leadership is not fully understanding ground realities. Others complain that communication between the central leadership and local units has weakened.
Analysts’ Assessment
Political analysts argue that BNP’s biggest challenge now is revitalizing its grassroots base. Simply coming to power is not the final measure of political success; maintaining organizational unity, valuing workers, and addressing long-standing grievances are equally important.
They also stress the need for a shift in political culture. Moving away from informal economic dependence at the local level and creating legitimate, long-term political and social engagement opportunities for workers is essential.
Additionally, ensuring recognition of long-serving activists, rehabilitation of affected workers, and organizational transparency are seen as urgent priorities.
Leadership Acknowledgement and Future Risks
A section of BNP policymakers reportedly acknowledges that grassroots frustration is real and must be addressed quickly. They warn that without renewed motivation among workers, the party could face organizational weakening at village and neighborhood levels.
Retaining young activists has become a major challenge.
Overall, political analysts believe BNP is currently undergoing a transitional phase after coming to power. The shift from opposition-based movement politics to governance comes with inevitable pressure and dissatisfaction.
However, if effective measures are not taken to manage this internal crisis, the party’s long-term organizational strength may be at risk. In particular, growing grassroots frustration could weaken BNP’s political presence at the local level in the future.