BNP confronts internal turmoil over influx of ‘hybrid’ leaders, activists

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is now facing increasing internal tension following the emergence of what party insiders are calling “hybrid leaders”—individuals who were previously inactive or aligned with rival political groups but have recently re-entered or joined the BNP.

Many party activists, involved for a longtime, allege that these individuals are now involved in misconduct, wrongdoings and undermining party discipline causing embarrassment to party leaders. Loyal activists in the party fed that due to the over enthusiastic activities of some workers to launch a sinister campaign to malign and vilify BNP.

Over the past 17 years, BNP leaders and activists have endured political repression under the Awami League government, including imprisonment, enforced disappearances, attacks, and loss of livelihood. Despite these hardships, they have remained loyal to the party leadership.

However, since August 5, party activists claim that a wave of new or previously inactive individuals has taken over key spaces within the party, including central and local offices. Allegations have surfaced that some of these new entrants are engaging in land grabbing, extortion, and tender manipulation—activities that are damaging the party’s public image and internal morale.

Shamsuddin Didar, a member of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s press wing, told The Daily Observer that prior to August 5, few people visited the party's Nayapaltan headquarters. “Now, the crowd is so large it’s hard to even enter,” he said, warning that opportunists are trying to benefit from the party’s current momentum while sidelining those who have long sacrificed for the cause.

Didar added that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed party leaders to remain vigilant against infiltration and conspiracy. "We must stay united and avoid engaging in illegal activities that tarnish our movement. Revenge is not the answer—reform is," he advised the party leaders and workers.

Grassroots leaders have echoed concerns that many committed activists are being pushed aside. A former district leader-turned-rickshaw puller from Gaibandha, speaking anonymously, shared his frustration: “I spent 17 years in the party, went to jail seven times, faced 27 cases, and now I’m expelled. Why?”

BNP insiders report that party leadership has responded with sweeping disciplinary measures. Since August 5, the BNP and its affiliated bodies have taken action against approximately 3,500 leaders and activists.

Affiliated wings such as the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal have also expelled hundreds of members and issued warnings to many others. BNP officials stress that these steps are necessary to protect the party’s integrity and discipline.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the party maintains a “zero tolerance” stance on misconduct and has stopped participating in public ceremonies involving questionable individuals. "Those involved in extortion or encroachment are not part of our political mission and must face consequences," he warned.

Other senior leaders have voiced similar sentiments. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna emphasized that those who abandoned the party during times of struggle will not be welcomed back. BNP Advisory Council member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal added that while new recruits are rising, it is the long-oppressed activists who remain the true backbone of the party.

Party figures like Masud Chowdhury (Nilphamari), Asaduzzaman Mintu (Jessore), and Sultan Mahmud (Bogura) have all raised concerns about growing internal divisions and called for renewed unity as elections approach.

Despite the turbulence, BNP leaders remain committed to restructuring and maintaining discipline. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed party members to “win the hearts of the people” and ensure no one feels unsafe because of political affiliation, religion, or background.