After the Awami League government was overthrown on August 5, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently experiencing severe internal conflict.

Since this political change, the BNP leadership has voiced serious worries about the unruly conduct of many of its activists and leaders, including instances of violence, extortion, and other illegal activity.

The party is now faced with the critical challenge of restoring discipline and maintaining its public image.

Recently the BNP took organizational action against over 1,000 leaders and activists, from top to grassroots levels, in response to various complaints.

Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi, a member of the BNP’s central executive committee, was suspended following allegations related to the murder of a broadcast journalist from a private television channel in the Hatirjheel area.

Additionally, standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed was served a show cause for using the car of the controversial business group S Alam.

BNP leaders are adamant that actions are being taken against individuals whose misconduct tarnishes the party’s reputation.

Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP, recently addressed these issues in a video message, urging members to avoid vindictive actions and adhere to the law.

“Be careful not to lose sight of the victory you have won,” he said, indicating the importance of unity and discipline.

Despite these efforts, the party continues to struggle with controlling rogue elements within its ranks.

Committees from several units, including Dhaka City North, have been suspended due to rising complaints against their members.

Sources within the party have revealed that some leaders are disregarding directives aimed at maintaining discipline, which senior party officials believe is jeopardizing the party’s standing among the people.

Since August 5, the BNP has taken action against 1,023 leaders based on a variety of complaints.

This includes issuing 523 show-cause notices, expelling 437 individuals, suspending 25, warning 35, and issuing four notices for breach of organizational discipline.

The group comprises leaders at various levels, including standing committee members, chairperson’s advisory council members, central joint secretaries, and divisional organizing secretaries.

Notable individuals include Salahuddin Ahmed, a standing committee member; Ruhul Quddus Talukdar and M Mahbub Uddin Khokon from the Chairperson’s advisory council; Khairul Kabir Khokon, joint secretary general; Organizing Secretaries Shama Obaid and Bilkis Jahan; and Shahidul Islam, general secretary of the Krishak Dal.

Additionally, the party has suspended the district BNP’s Joint Secretary, Rafiqul Islam (Shah Paran), on allegations of looting sand and stones from a quarry in Sylhet.

In light of these issues, the BNP central leadership is determined to restore order.

Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has made it clear that the party will not tolerate violations of its principles.

“Strict action will be taken against those who go against the party’s ideology,” he said.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habibur Nabi Khan Sohel said there is a need for trust-building with the public following the change of government.

“Some people are misusing power, which threatens the long-term gains of our movement,” he said.

The party’s leaders actively engage with local workers to reinforce discipline and restore order.

The aftermath of the Awami League government’s fall presents a pivotal moment for the BNP leadership. Expectations were high regarding a departure from the alleged corrupt practices of their predecessors.

However, the misbehavior of certain party members is creating a backlash, undermining the public perception of the BNP as a viable alternative.

Political analysts note that the BNP’s current challenges could have serious implications for its future, particularly with impending elections.

The Awami League remains a formidable opponent, and if the BNP fails to manage internal conflicts effectively, it risks losing both party cohesion and voter support.

Mirza Abbas, a standing committee member, reassured the media that the party is committed to enforcing organizational discipline.

“We are taking measures to stop activities that go against the party’s policy,” he said.

“This will include filing cases where necessary, and we will continue to pursue this path.”