BNP cracks down on leaders after Radda attack

BNP aims to convey a strict message that there will be no tolerance for engaging in irregularities and crime while asserting the influence of power and official positions.

Even if an individual is a party MP, minister, or top-tier leader, organizational action will be taken if allegations are proven; if necessary, lawsuits will be filed and legal punishment will be ensured.

The position of the party’s top leadership has hardened further, particularly after allegations surfaced regarding the involvement of party leaders and activists in the attack, looting, and vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP Health Center in Mirpur, Dhaka.

BNP sources said the message is being sent through ordering MP Ferdousi Ahmed Misty to resign over the Radda incident, as well as the dissolution of several committees, including Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman wants to keep both the government and the party above all forms of controversy. Following the formation of the government, several events had subjected the BNP to widespread criticism.

Under these circumstances, BNP has taken action against those within the party involved in irregularities, misdeeds, terrorist activities, or extortion. The party has decided to adopt a “zero tolerance” policy. Wherever leaders and activists are involved in such acts, they will be expelled from the party.

Measures will not be limited solely to organizational action - legal action will also be taken against them if necessary.

On 25 September, more than 200 individuals launched an attack on the Radda center. Taking security guards hostage, they entered the center and looted medicines, medical equipment, and various other items. Later, heavy machinery was used to demolish one permanent structure and three semi-permanent structures of the center.

For nearly five decades, the institution had been providing healthcare services to impoverished mothers and children.

The incident occurred while Tarique was in New York, USA, attending the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Upon returning to the country and being informed of the matter, he inquired about the details of the incident and expressed dissatisfaction over the event.

At the same time, he directed that action be taken against those involved in the attack, while also ordering an investigation into whether party leaders and activists at any level were connected to it.

Then after finding initial evidence of involvement in the incident, the party took organizational action against several organizations and several local BNP leaders.

Dissolution of committees and resignation of MP

BNP formed the government on 17 February following a victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Maintaining the country’s law and order situation has been the primary challenge for the party since forming the government.

The government has been taking various measures to address this challenge, and police operations are ongoing. To restore discipline, the government has also taken action against numerous members of law enforcement agencies, including dismissals from service.

However, the law and order situation has still not returned to full normalcy. There is concern within the government as well. Central BNP possesses information that party leaders and activists in various locations are engaging in anti-organizational activities and involving themselves in various crimes by asserting the influence of power.

Although the party had been taking sporadic action until now, a major step came on Wednesday with the dissolution of the Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP committee The party had information that they were asserting influence locally over controlling various garment factories, tender manipulation, as well as various city corporation development works.

Aside from Dhaka North BNP, the committees of Dhaka Metropolitan North Jubodal and Dhaka Metropolitan West Chatradal were also dissolved on the same day. More than a dozen leaders from the party and its associate bodies were expelled. The dissolution of the 51-member convening committee of Dhaka North BNP was also confirmed by BNP.

From the beginning, accusations regarding the orchestrator behind the Radda incident pointed toward Misty, joint convenor of the recently dissolved committee of Dhaka North BNP and MP for the reserved women’s seat. Initial investigations confirmed the allegations against Misty.  

In light of this, Tarique ordered Misty on Wednesday night to resign and she submitted her resignation letter to the speaker on Thursday.

However, Misty denied allegations of involvement in the attack from the beginning. BNP leaders said they intend to present this “punishment” of Misty as an “example” to party leaders and activists across the country. Organizational action may also be taken against her by the party.

At the same time, legal action may also be pursued against her. The party source added that following the investigation, the police will take action.

Clear message to party leaders across the country

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said if allegations against Misty are proven in the police investigation, a charge sheet will be submitted, and legal action will be taken. PM’s Political Assistant and BNP leader Rashed Khan added, “BNP does not indulge any criminal and takes appropriate action if an offense is proven - this has been proven once again.”

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince told Agamir Somoy that BNP always considers a criminal as a criminal and their party identity is not taken into account. Naturally, it has become a tradition that being in power seems to imply using political influence illegally for personal gain - something Awami League leaders and activists resorted to during their 15-year rule.

He added, however, that it is true there may be a few such leaders within BNP as well. But they are not being given any slack, nor will they be in the future. The resignation of Misty and the dissolution of several committees through the incident prove just that.

Prince noted, “The measures taken regarding the Radda incident are a reflection of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s commitment to curbing crime and terrorism or restoring peace and order in the country. BNP as a party is in no way involved in any incident.

“However, if anyone from the party is involved, there is no compromise for them. Strict organizational action is being taken against him or them. The people of the country will see legal action as well.”

BNP Dhaka Division Organizing Secretary Kazi Sayedul Alam Babul told Agamir Somoy, “BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has always given organizational directives that if anyone is involved in crimes, they will not be spared, regardless of how high-level a leader they are in the party or government. We have conveyed the organizational directive from him to the grassroots level through district and city leaders of the party, and the process is ongoing.”