BNP has decided not to fall into any kind of provocation or pre-arranged trap. The party will exercise maximum patience and endure all hostile situations until the election. Party leaders realize that a faction within the government, along with Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon, and several smaller political groups, are trying to block the upcoming February national election. Their main target is to stop BNP at any cost.
For that reason, BNP will extend full cooperation to hold the national election within the timeframe announced by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. At the same time, to counter Jamaat, BNP plans to form an electoral alliance with Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamist parties.
According to several policymakers of the party, all levels of BNP leaders and activists have already been warned not to walk into any traps set by rivals. Strict instructions have also been given to avoid any actions that could tarnish the party’s image.
Moreover, to ensure that no excuse or pretext is created to disrupt the election beforehand, BNP has expressed full agreement with all matters outlined in the July declaration. Only the July Charter remains unresolved, on which Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP are taking a hardline stance. NCP has declared that no concessions will be made on this issue. Therefore, BNP is proceeding very cautiously on this matter as well. Party leaders believe multiple traps may be set to block the February national election. BNP intends to face them all with strategy and patience, considering the election the only way out of the current crisis.
Meanwhile, to counter Jamaat’s Islamist alliance or coalition, BNP is reaching out to Hefazat-e-Islam. Ahead of the national election, BNP is giving great importance to this Chattogram-based organization centered on Hathazari Madrasa. A significant level of understanding has already been reached between the two sides. To maintain constant communication with Hefazat’s senior leadership, BNP has formed a team led by two influential members of its National Standing Committee — Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed. The matter is being closely monitored by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman himself.
BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said: “There is a conspiracy to sabotage the upcoming parliamentary election. Every leader and activist must remain alert. We cannot fall into any kind of trap.”
BNP National Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “BNP will not respond to anyone’s provocation. We will face everything with patience, because BNP is committed to restoring people’s right to vote and establishing democracy. BNP will fully cooperate in holding the national election within the timeframe announced by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Some may try to delay or obstruct the election, but the people of this country will resist them with unity.”
On the other hand, there are allegations that a certain group is trying to create a murky political situation using the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election issue. Activities such as late-night raids in halls under the banner of general students, or having the Vice-Chancellor declare student politics banned, are being seen as attempts to disrupt the democratic political environment and derail the election.
In this context, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said, “Many efforts are underway to destroy the political and electoral environment. One failed attempt after another is being carried out in a planned way to prevent the February election. Even deliberate provocations are being made to spark conflicts. But we are showing maximum patience. Clear instructions have already been given to our leaders and activists not to fall into anyone’s trap.”
Meanwhile, Hefazat-e-Islam’s Organizing Secretary Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi said:
“Hefazat is not a political organization. Even so, our support in the upcoming election will depend on the actions of political parties. We are observing the situation. Recently BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed came to Chattogram, met our Amir Maulana Muhibullah Babunagari, and sought his blessings.