BNP and the militancy factor

A tremor within the party has been caused by some of senior BNP members going public on the alleged involvement of some ministers and lawmakers in promoting militant outfits.

A ruling party coalescing with a far right party can have two options under the circumstances. The most tempting and easiest path is to go into the ostrich-like mode, hoping and waiting for the storm to blow away. That's what was demonstrated by the BNP when reports regarding the rise of extremists were being brought to light by the media. Equally hazardous is to press the panic button, risking irrational and disjointed actions. It appears that the BNP has moved from the ostrich-like attitude to panic reaction without going for the most expected and the only sensible response, i.e. to take a mature posture on the issue through actions stemming from judicious and rational thinking.

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The BNP had struck a political deal with the Jamaat to defeat the AL in the 2001 election that was at best an alliance of astute political calculations, the fallout of which, however, the country is having to face now -- down the line. It is time for the BNP to decide whether to continue with the alliance and risk ruining the principles on which the party was founded and more instability for the country or live up to the promises on which the party was formed. This would necessitate open and frank discussions between the party high ups, including the Prime Minister, with the leadership at all levels of the party, and listening to voices within the party.

The need for rational action demands moving away from coterie driven policy making to utilising the standard party machinery to seek consensus of the partymen on the most vital issue facing the country today.