BNP Faces Internal Turmoil as Leaders Fall Amid Power Struggles

Synopsis

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is experiencing severe internal conflicts, leading to multiple fatalities among its leaders and supporters. The situation has worsened since the interim government took power under Muhammad Yunus in August 2024, highlighting the nation's deteriorating law and order.

Key Takeaways

BNP suffers from ongoing internal conflicts.
At least 43 leaders and activists have died.
Approximately 2000 individuals injured in clashes.
Major incidents reported across 50 districts.
Infighting escalated since the Sheikh Hasina government was ousted.

Dhaka, March 21 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is experiencing ongoing internal conflicts, resulting in the fatalities of numerous party leaders and members, as highlighted by recent data reflecting the deteriorating law and order conditions in the nation since the interim government under Muhammad Yunus took charge in August 2024.

According to a report from Bangladesh's prominent newspaper 'The Daily Star', "Since the downfall of the Awami League administration in August last year, the BNP has suffered from internal strife among its factions, which has led to the deaths of no less than 43 leaders and activists."

The investigation indicates that approximately 2000 BNP supporters sustained injuries across about 200 incidents occurring in 50 districts. This information is derived from the monthly reports of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and findings from The Daily Star.

The statistics reveal that nine BNP members were murdered in August, 11 in September, one in October, six in November, six in December, three in January, three in February, and four as of March 19. Almost 493 party workers were wounded in December alone, with 491 injuries reported in September 2024. Clashes were documented at least 41 times in December and January.

This week, supporters of former BNP MP Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury and Chittagong district north BNP Convener Golam Akbar Khondokar clashed, resulting in multiple injuries.

On Wednesday, a member of the party's student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), lost his life, and several others were hurt following a confrontation between two factions in the Bhola district of Bangladesh.

In a related event, on Tuesday, at least 11 individuals were injured during a clash between two BNP factions regarding the organization of Iftar gatherings in the Sirajganj district, as reported by the media outlet UNB.

Infighting within the BNP has escalated since the removal of the Sheikh Hasina government, with various factions showcasing their strength.

According to law enforcement and party insiders, these clashes are fueled by rivalries over dominance and extortion revenues. Insiders have also indicated that the current wave of internal disputes is driven by the belief that the BNP will reclaim power in the upcoming general elections, leading to opportunistic groups eagerly vying for control.

Khaleda Zia's BNP collaborated with student leaders and Muhammad Yunus to topple the democratically elected Awami League government, positioning itself as the largest political party in Bangladesh following the downfall of its primary opponent Hasina. However, significant rifts have emerged within the BNP since then, resulting in the deaths of several top leaders.