On 14th December, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that “Those who resort to arson attacks, destructions, and removing fishplates from rail lines have no right to do politics.” This latest statement comes after BNP-Jamaat led sabotage activities led to the derailment of a train in Gazipur; resulting in widespread damage and the death of an innocent shopkeeper. As of 8th December, the total number of arson attacks stood at 267. It should be noted that such sabotage and arson activities are more in line with the modus operandi of terrorist organizations than that of a political party. If one looks at the origin, political campaign and the overall history of BNP, it becomes abundantly clear that the Prime Minister’s statement holds credence.
A Puppet Party
In the annals of political history, the genesis of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is rooted in a contentious referendum, shrouded in skepticism due to its low turnout and questionable results. This pivotal moment unfolded at the behest of the then-dictator and army chief, Ziaur Rahman, aiming to solidify his grip on power and lend an air of legitimacy to his rule. However, this maneuver ultimately cast a shadow over BNP’s democratic standing.
You can also read: 25 BNP Members Sentenced in 2018 Political Turmoil
Ziaur Rahman’s orchestration of the BNP’s formation further heightened suspicions surrounding the party’s commitment to democratic principles. By sidestepping established state policies and strategically positioning himself within both the army and the presidency, Zia effectively transformed BNP into a puppet organization, raising concerns about its autonomy and true allegiance.
The alliance between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, characterized by endeavors to resurrect a “Pakistan military-fundamentalist model of radical Islam,” only amplifies doubts about the party’s democratic ethos. The intricate web of connections between BNP and unelected ex-army members paints a picture of a party entangled in questions about its dedication to democratic values and its capacity to genuinely serve the interests of the people.
Sponsorship of Terrorism
BNP-Jamaat have a rich history of supporting militancy and terrorism throughout their entire existence. During BNP’s last tenure in power; the nation became a breeding ground for militancy. Various terrorist and militant organizations would use Bangladesh as a recruiting and training ground and then proceed to launch attacks on neighboring India. Things reached a boiling point when the home-grown terrorist organization JMB (ironically sponsored, funded and sheltered by BNP) launched an unprecedented series of bomb attacks all over Bangladesh in August.
In a shocking revelation, it has been exposed that Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, the former home minister in the last BNP-led government, provided assurance to Mufti Abdul Hannan, the key figure behind the Islamist militant group Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (Huji). Chowdhury reportedly guaranteed Hannan safety within the country, even allowing him to freely move around Dhaka.Furthermore, Hannan submitted a mercy petition to the then prime minister, Khaleda Zia; home minister, and several other ministers, receiving positive responses. There were assurances of his release, and some BNP leaders reportedly suggested withdrawing cases against the Huji leader.
During the four-party alliance’s tenure from 2001, Islamist militants, including those associated with Huji, enjoyed support from the BNP government for about four years. Legal proceedings against Hannan were said to be deliberately stalled during this time. BNP’s sponsorship and embracing of terrorism is internationally known. On 15th June, a federal court in Canada declared BNP a terrorist organization during the case hearing of an asylum seeker for a BNP activist. This declaration further cements BNP’s bloody and undemocratic legacy.
August 21
The Huji-led militants were implicated in various attacks, including the August 21 grenade attack on an Awami League rally in the capital. There was collaboration between Huji, influential BNP and Jamaat leaders, as well as por BNP officials from the home ministry, law enforcement agencies and Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Before the August 21 attack, Huji leaders reportedly met Tarique Rahman, BNP senior vice chairman, at Hawa Bhaban, considered a de-facto seat of power during the last BNP-Jamaat coalition rule. In these meetings, Huji sought support to assassinate Sheikh Hasina and other top Awami League leaders, with Tarique assuring them of full support. This revelation paints a troubling connection between the BNP-led government and the use of Huji against political rivals.
Legacy of Violence and Question on Legitimacy
BNP has a legacy of violent activities. Its sponsorship of terrorist activities has been known for more than a decade now. Exposed by law enforcement agencies as well as national and international news organizations. Its history of using arson, vandalism and violence to incite fear and terror is also nothing new. From 2013-2014, they propagated more than 93 days of such hartal-blockade based campaign of violence. In 2005, a study by International Chamber of Commerce estimated that the cost of BNP-Jamaat’s hartal campaign was $200 million per day.
BNP’s recent 2023 campaign has resulted in economic losses in excess of 6000cr per day. Since 28th October, BNP-Jamaat led arsonists have burned nearly 300 vehicles and 15 structures. They have attacked courtrooms and the judiciary, killed a policeman and injured dozens. While the government and the law enforcement agencies have been largely effective in their attempts at reducing the scale of violence; complete elimination has not been possible as of yet.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s statement, therefore, has raised some crucial and valid questions:
- Is BNP truly a political party? Or is it a terrorist organization in disguise?
- Can sponsors of terrorism, arson, assassination be considered legitimate candidates to state power?
- How can BNP claim to be a democratic party when they are actively boycotting the elections?
- How can BNP be worthy of governing when they are working to derail a democratic election by waging a war of arson and violence against the people they wish to govern?
The people of Bangladesh need to ask these questions, so does the international community. Questions should be raised about thee ethical and moral compass of those who follow BNP’s ideology; as well as the legitimacy of BNP as a democratic party.
