Give details on errants, ‘no more cover-ups’

The BNP high command has instructed grassroots organisers to promptly inform the party’s central office if any member in their area faces allegations of criminal activity, rather than conceal the matter or shield the person involved.

District-level leaders have also been asked to verify allegations locally, gather information on members involved in wrongdoing, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies if legal action is required.

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“Sometimes grassroots leaders try to hide controversial issues involving influential party figures,” said a senior BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“In some cases, they also avoid taking action for various reasons. Even if they are unable to act locally, they must at least inform the central leadership,” the leader added.

According to party sources, the move aims to identify problems early, before they turn into major controversies that give political opponents an opening to question the government and put pressure on both the party and the government.

The party does not want district committees merely to carry out central decisions, BNP leaders said. It also wants them to closely monitor leaders and activists in their areas and take initial steps when problems arise.

Therefore, district leaders have been asked to stay particularly alert to allegations of misusing the party’s name to influence others or for personal gain, land or institution grabbing, extortion, and taking the law into one’s own hands.

They have so far received the instructions verbally.

Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Sylhet district unit BNP president, said, “We are more cautious than before. The reason is that the party chairman [Tarique Rahman] is giving instructions on these matters from time to time.

“Everyone is taking extra precautions. If anyone does anything improper, we are taking strict action.”

District leaders themselves could face action if they knowingly hide allegations or politically protect an accused member, several central BNP leaders said.

The party could examine who provided protection, who failed to act after learning of an allegation, and who tried to keep the matter from the central leadership.

District-level leaders, who spoke to The Daily Star on condition of anonymity, said factional conflicts remain common in many areas, with one group sometimes bringing allegations against another.

They therefore believe complaints should be checked before being sent to the central leadership.

Of the 68 incidents of political violence recorded by Human Rights Support Society in September, 35 were linked to internal conflicts within the BNP, according to the rights body’s latest monthly report released yesterday.

WHY THE MOVE

The BNP’s position became clearer after the attack, looting and vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1, in which several local BNP and affiliated organisation leaders were named.

Afterwards, the BNP and its affiliates dissolved three major committees in Dhaka and expelled 14 leaders at different levels over indiscipline, anti-organisational activities and unethical conduct.

Reserved-seat MP Ferdousy Ahmed also resigned on the instruction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

BNP leaders said the central leadership believes that ignoring grassroots allegations at the outset could cost the entire party later.

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said those inside or outside the party who act against public interest and peace and order would not be spared.

Anyone misusing the party’s identity would face strict punishment, he said.

“Unethical actions of a few politicians are causing heartache for millions of leaders and activists. It will not be tolerated,” he said.

Over the past six months, the prime minister had sent a strong message to those who mistook his generosity for weakness and became involved in unethical activities, Imran said.

Those who undermined his commitment to public safety and welfare would not be forgiven, he added.

Imran also urged local BNP and affiliated organisation leaders and activists to remain united and work through discussion, saying the high command was monitoring the situation.

Under the party charter, a leader may first be warned or face a show-cause notice over a minor allegation. In more serious cases, the leader may be removed from a party position or expelled.

“But these rules haven’t always been followed properly. That is why the central leadership has now reiterated the instruction and asked the local units to comply with it strictly,” said a senior BNP leader.