In a surprising turn of events, the political landscape of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is undergoing a significant transformation. Two former BNP leaders are poised to assume leadership roles within the party, marking a notable shift in its central leadership. The upcoming party council meeting, scheduled for next Tuesday, is expected to decide and formally announce the new leadership. This development has sparked intrigue and speculation among political analysts and the general public.
In recent political discussions, it has become evident that Trinamool BNP is set for a transformation at its highest levels. This development comes at a time when the party is recalibrating its leadership dynamics.
In a significant development within the Trinamool BNP, a well-known political entity founded by Barrister Nazmul Huda, changes in its leadership are on the horizon. The current chairperson of the party is Antara Huda, daughter of the founder, Nazmul Huda, with Major (Retd) Dr. Sheikh Habibur Rahman serving as the Secretary General.
Recent events within the party have hinted at shifts in its leadership and direction, adding intrigue to the political landscape ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections.
History of Trinamool BNP
In order to participate in elections as a political party, registration with the Election Commission (EC) is mandatory.
In 2018, Trinamool BNP commenced the process of applying for political party registration with the EC.
Regrettably, following a thorough verification procedure, the EC declined to grant registration to the party.
In response to this decision by the EC, Nazmul Huda initiated legal proceedings by filing a writ with the High Court.
On November 4, 2018, the High Court issued a decisive ruling instructing the EC to promptly register Trinamool BNP as a political party.
Subsequently, in 2019, the EC pursued the option of seeking leave to appeal against the High Court’s decision.
Ultimately, in December 2022, the Appellate Division upheld the High Court’s verdict, confirming the official registration of Trinamool BNP as a recognized political party.
Two Senior BNP figures on divergent paths
Shamser Mobin Chowdhury, who parted ways with the BNP in 2015, later joined an alternative movement in 2018. Initially, his presence was notable within this movement, but over time, he has gradually faded from the party’s activities. Interestingly, he has been spotted actively engaging in diplomatic circles on various occasions, raising questions about his political ambitions and affiliations. To participate in elections as a political entity, registration with the Election Commission (EC) is a prerequisite.
Meanwhile, Timur Alam Khandkar, a prominent figure within Trinamool BNP, faced expulsion from the party in 2022. His dismissal stemmed from his defiance of the party’s decision when he contested as a mayoral candidate in the Narayanganj City election. Despite this expulsion, Khandkar continued to participate in various party programs.
Recently, he took the step of acknowledging his mistake by submitting a written application to rejoin the party. However, as of now, there has been no official response from the party regarding his request.
Significant struggle for power
Trinamool BNP has encountered leadership challenges since its founder, Barrister Nazmul Huda, passed away shortly after registering the party with the Election Commission. This unfortunate turn of events triggered a competitive atmosphere within the party as members vied for leadership positions. After an extended period following Nazmul Huda’s demise, his daughter, Antara Huda, emerged as the leader of the party, although it reportedly came after significant internal struggles.
to compete effectively in the ever-changing political landscape of Bangladesh.
Will their return usher in new era of Trinamool’s BNP unity and effectiveness?
The emergence of these two former BNP leaders as frontrunners for leadership roles raises several questions about the party’s future.
Several Trinamool BNP leaders have revealed that efforts are underway to form a new committee by removing party chairman Antara Huda. They also mentioned that Shamser Mobin Chowdhury had expressed his desire to lead Trinamool BNP even earlier.
Despite multiple attempts, it has proven difficult to reach Antara Huda for her perspective on this matter. However, advocate Timur Alam Khandkar said, ‘I am actively involved in politics. I have been expelled from the party. I tried for many days, but the opportunity to return has not been granted. Now, I am seeking an alternative platform that bears similarities to BNP, although it certainly won’t be the Awami League.’
Efforts to obtain a statement from Shamser Mobin Chowdhury have so far been unsuccessful.
Why BNP Faces Repeated Failures?
For the past 15 years, BNP and its alliance have remained outside the realm of political power. Following their defeat in the 2008 elections, their absence in the 2014 electoral process, and their inability to facilitate the 2018 elections, they opted for a path of protest and agitation. However, their efforts in various movements yielded no success. Instead, these movements often led to widespread chaos and distanced them from the general populace.
However, when the alternative party fails to present an appealing vision for the nation, the idea of change for the sake of change loses its appeal among the populace.
BNP appears to lack a clear and defined ideology, making it a less compelling opposition force. While many political parties and groups in Bangladesh may be primarily clientelistic, they still retain some semblance of an underlying ideology.
In contrast, BNP has failed to establish a strong ideological foundation that could unite and attract the public. From its inception, it has been a mixture of disparate elements, lacking a coherent and appealing ideology.
