The Hindu: Published on 24th April 2025:
Why in News?
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which had long positioned itself as the key opposition force, has been facing severe internal infighting, factional clashes, and violent competition over influence and territory. This infighting has led to numerous deaths and injuries, despite repeated warnings by party leadership.
Background
BNP vs Awami League: For decades, BNP's primary rival was Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League (AL). After AL's decline, BNP emerged as the dominant force but soon began tearing itself apart internally.
Shift in violence patterns: Earlier, most clashes were inter-party (BNP vs AL or Jamaat). Now, BNP's main challenge is intra-party violence, driven by extortion and turf dominance.
Key Events
Lablu Mia’s death: A local BNP leader killed in Rangpur during a fight between party factions on April 5, 2025.
Subsequent Clashes: More violence erupted in Lakshmipur district just days later.
Statistics:
March 2025: 17 deaths in 64 BNP-internal clashes (HRSS data).
Jan–Mar 2025: 24 of 36 political violence deaths linked to BNP infighting (ASK & MSF reports).
Over 1,415 injured in BNP-related factional fights in Q1 2025.
Current Scenario
BNP leadership’s helplessness: Despite warnings by top leaders like Tarique Rahman, ground-level violence persists.
Alleged infiltration: Party leaders like Shama Obaid blame infiltrators and conspiracies for inciting internal violence.
Political calls for action: Parties like the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) urge BNP to take legal and disciplinary action against extortionists within its ranks.
Law and Order Response
Joint Crackdowns: Between April 10–17, 390 criminals including extortionists were arrested in joint operations by army and police (ISPR report).
Government stance: Home Advisor Jahangir Chowdhury has warned police inaction will be punished.
NGO criticism: MSF’s Saidur Rahman criticizes government for non-intervention, suggesting a “let them fight among themselves” attitude.
Major Issues
Power vacuum & dominance struggle post-Hasina.
Lack of internal discipline in BNP.
Extortion and turf war motivations replacing political ideology.
Failure of law enforcement to proactively prevent violence.
No effective intra-party grievance redressal mechanism.
Impact
Political instability: The only major opposition party is becoming discredited due to violence and criminality.
Public disillusionment: Common people may lose faith in both ruling and opposition camps.
Weakening democracy: Infighting in BNP combined with government indifference may undermine democratic processes.
Conclusion
While the fall of Hasina’s government gave BNP a political opening, lack of unity, criminal infiltration, and absence of decisive leadership have turned this opportunity into a crisis. Without meaningful reform and strict internal action, BNP risks becoming a fragmented, lawless entity, thereby failing the democratic expectations of Bangladeshis.
