H. M. Nazmul Alam

For decades, Bangladesh's political landscape has been marred by a culture of impunity, where leaders and activists often operated with little accountability, protected by the shadow of party loyalty. This problem, endemic to all major political parties, has created a vicious cycle of corruption, extortion, and misuse of power that has alienated ordinary citizens and eroded public trust. However, in the wake of recent political changes, a new narrative has emerged—one in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is positioning itself as a beacon of accountability, justice, and discipline. By taking swift and decisive action against those within its ranks who have engaged in illegal activities, BNP has set a precedent that may offer hope for a new era in Bangladeshi politics.

Swift Action and Internal Accountability

Since the political transition on August 5th, BNP has got on a journey to cleanse its own house. Over 1,000 leaders and activists, from senior members of the party’s highest forum to grassroots organizers, have faced organizational measures. These measures were not mere symbolic gestures but were a direct response to allegations of extortion, encroachment, assault, involving various factions of the party, including Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchasebak Dal. In several instances, the party’s high command responded to such incidents within a matter of hours, sending a strong message that no one is above the law, not even those who have historically enjoyed the protection of party power.

A particularly noteworthy example occurred when a party leader's name surfaced in the media in connection with a murder in the Hatirjheel area of Dhaka. Within 24 hours, the BNP leadership issued a show-cause notice, demanding accountability. Similarly, the party leadership intervened in a case where a group of Jubo Dal activists attempted to seize control of an industrialist’s establishment in Tejgaon, forcing them to retreat. In both cases, BNP’s swift action showcased its commitment to maintaining internal order and protecting its public image from the very outset of the political transition.

This proactive approach stands in stark contrast to the political culture that has long dominated Bangladesh, where such allegations were often swept under the rug, and offenders were protected by powerful figures. While political parties like the Awami League have historically promoted an environment in which wrongdoers thrived under the umbrella of impunity, BNP’s response marks a significant departure from this trend. The BNP has signaled a desire to break free from the political norms that have allowed corruption to fester unchecked for so long.

Strong Leadership and a Message of Reform

At the helm of this new approach is Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of BNP. His role in maintaining party discipline and ensuring accountability cannot be overstated. Despite facing challenges from both within and outside the party, Tarique Rahman has made it clear that there will be no tolerance for misconduct. He has been meeting regularly with various organizational units, issuing warnings, and reinforcing the party's commitment to a new standard of governance.

Tarique Rahman’s leadership has been instrumental in restoring order within the party. After years of repression under the Awami League-led government, many BNP activists were eager to assert their newfound authority. In some cases, this eagerness manifested in acts of extortion or attempts to seize local resources, such as markets or transportation hubs. However, BNP's high command, led by Tarique Rahman, was quick to intervene, taking decisive action against those who misused their power. For example, when allegations surfaced against a district committee of BNP for forcibly taking possession of a businessman's luxury car, the entire committee was dissolved.

This sends a clear message: under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, BNP will not condone the same types of misconduct that have plagued other political parties. His insistence on maintaining party discipline has not only ensured that offenders are held accountable but has also helped restore public confidence in the party. BNP’s leadership is demonstrating that it is serious about reforming the political culture in Bangladesh and distancing itself from the toxic legacy of unchecked corruption that has historically tarnished political parties in the country.

A New Standard of Discipline

The BNP’s internal reforms are not limited to high-profile cases in the capital or major cities. Across the country, from district-level committees to grassroots organizers, the party has taken action to ensure that its members adhere to a strict code of conduct. In one instance, a regional leader was issued a show-cause notice for accepting favors from an industrial company, a move that, in the past, may have gone unnoticed or unpunished. In another case, local leaders who had become involved in violent clashes over control of public spaces were removed from their positions, demonstrating that the party will not tolerate internal power struggles that undermine its integrity.

This focus on discipline extends beyond expelling or suspending wrongdoers. It also involves empowering leaders who are committed to the party’s ideals and who have demonstrated their loyalty to BNP’s principles of justice and accountability. BNP is ensuring that its organizational structure remains strong and that its message of reform is carried forward at all levels of the party.

A New Political Culture

BNP’s internal reforms and commitment to accountability come at a critical juncture for the party. After 15 years of repression, exclusion from political power, and systematic marginalization under the Awami League regime, BNP has emerged with a new sense of purpose. The party’s actions since August 5th demonstrate that it is not merely interested in regaining power but in transforming the political culture of Bangladesh. By taking a hard line against corruption and misconduct within its ranks, BNP is signaling to the public that it is serious about creating a more just and accountable political system.

However, challenges remain. The culture of extortion, land grabbing, and political violence is deeply entrenched in Bangladeshi politics. While BNP’s top leadership has taken strong action to address these issues, the task of reshaping the political culture will require sustained effort. It will also require continued vigilance from leaders like Tarique Rahman, who must ensure that the party does not revert to the old ways once the initial momentum of reform fades.

Yet, there is reason to be hopeful. By consistently holding its members accountable and maintaining strict discipline, BNP is setting a new standard for political parties in Bangladesh. This shift in approach is not just about restoring public trust in BNP—it is about creating a blueprint for how political parties can function in a way that serves the people, rather than personal interests.

The writer is a, Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology