Sreepur (Gazipur) Correspondent

The instability and division in the politics of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Sreepur are becoming clearer day by day.

Although the party's defectors and tested leaders and activists have been active in the movement and struggle for a long time, they are undervalued now .

On the contrary, many who have newly entered the party are getting important positions, which has given rise to intense anger among ordinary leaders and activists. In addition, there have been allegations of some party leaders and activists being involved in irregularities and crimes. Many have been temporarily and permanently expelled from BNP and its affiliates due to various immoral activities including extortion. BNP's idealistic leaders and activists believe that this is tarnishing the party's image.

Several BNP activists have complained that those who had many cases against them and who were harassed on the streets are now staying away from the party's decision-making process. However, many who were absent from the movement and struggle are now coming to the leadership and enjoying the party's privileges.

A resigned leader said on condition of anonymity, "When we were on the streets amidst lathicharge, tear gas, and bullets, many were sitting at home. Now, suddenly, they have got big positions, and we are neglected." As a result of this internal crisis in the party, the grassroots leaders and activists of the BNP are suffering from depression. Political analysts fear that if the leaders who have sacrificed for the party for a long time are not appreciated, they may withdraw from politics.

A senior BNP activist from Sreepur Upazila said, "We were in prison during the movement, we endured torture. But now those who have maintained a distance from the party are coming to the leadership."

According to political analysts, this division in the BNP could weaken the party organizationally. This division will become a big challenge for the BNP, especially with the national elections ahead. If the party's leaders who have resigned are not properly evaluated, then the organizational weakness will become more evident and internal chaos will arise in the party. Sreepur Upazila BNP General Secretary Akhtarul Alam Master said in this regard, "BNP is an ideological party, here the leaders who have resigned will be properly evaluated. Strict party action will be taken against those involved in irregularities and crimes. We all have to unite and organize BNP well."

Gazipur District BNP No. 1 Joint Convener and Central Committee Co-Health Affairs Secretary Prof Dr. SM Rafiqul Islam Bachchu said, those who have risked their lives and have protested on the streets are the main driving force of BNP. Strict organizational action will be taken against those who are involved in extortion or criminal activities. BNP is a democratic party, there is no room for corruption and tarnishing the party's reputation. We are and will be in the movement to restore democracy and return the voting rights of the people of the country. Call to BNP ideological workers, be patient, love the party and stay united."

The general leaders and activists of the party feel that senior leaders need to intervene quickly to resolve the internal crisis of BNP. If the defectors are not properly evaluated, a bigger party conflict may arise in the future. Sreepur BNP grassroots leaders and activists are demanding that the party's tested and defector leaders of difficult times should be given due respect.

Otherwise, if this instability lasts long, the organizational foundation of BNP will weaken and will have a negative impact on the party's activities. Now it remains to be seen how the top leadership of BNP deals with this crisis.