BNP does not want conflict, calls for restraint
Collected Photo
Although political tensions have escalated once again in the country, neither the government nor the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, wants the situation to turn into conflict. The party has therefore issued clear instructions to its leaders and activists from the central level to the grassroots not to respond to any provocation and to maintain patience and restraint. At the same time, government policymakers are examining whether recent developments are isolated incidents or part of a broader political plan.
According to the ruling party, the National Citizen Party, or NCP, is being given the political recognition due to it as one of the main opposition parties in the National Parliament. The government says it has not obstructed the opposition party’s democratic activities either inside Parliament or on the streets. However, it is now observing why the party continues to take positions that create political tension despite that.
Several senior leaders associated with the government believe there are deliberate attempts to heat up the political arena through statements that violate political decorum, personal attacks, and provocative language. They fear that such instability could create an opportunity for the ousted fascist forces to become active again. For that reason, the ruling establishment is closely monitoring the NCP’s recent activities.
Political tensions have intensified in recent days following attacks, obstructions, and clashes surrounding NCP programs in Sylhet, Habiganj, and Moulvibazar. BNP and NCP are blaming each other for the incidents. Counter cases have also been filed at the local level. The NCP alleges that its leaders and activists were attacked because of the roles of the local BNP, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and the administration. However, the BNP claims that opposition parties are enjoying greater political freedom under the current government than at any previous time and that there are no administrative obstacles to their political programs.
According to ruling party leaders, while opposition parties have every right to engage in politics, political statements should also reflect decency and responsibility. They say repeated derogatory remarks and personal attacks targeting Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and the party’s senior leaders are creating resentment among local leaders and activists. They say Tarique Rahman is not only the party chief to BNP members but also a symbol of their emotions and political beliefs. As a result, indecent remarks directed at him are increasing political tensions.
Against this backdrop, a large torch procession was held in the capital Friday night under the initiative of BNP Dhaka 6 and its associate organizations. The procession began at Malitola Park in Old Dhaka and ended in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan. It was led by Ishraque Hossain, Member of Parliament for Dhaka 6 and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. BNP leaders said it was a symbolic protest demanding the preservation of political decorum.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General and Adviser to the Prime Minister, said, “Personal attacks, spreading slander, or engaging in filthy propaganda are harmful to political culture. If politicians fail to exercise moderation in their statements, both the state and society will suffer.”
Regarding the attacks on NCP leaders, he said those responsible should be identified by the local administration through an investigation and appropriate action should be taken. At the same time, he said, political leaders must also behave responsibly in making public statements.
Rizvi also said, “Those who think they can catch fish in troubled waters will not succeed. Just as the government is vigilant to ensure that fascism does not return in any way, the opposition parties also have a responsibility to act responsibly.”
He said the BNP leadership has issued clear instructions from the central level that party leaders and activists must not become involved in any form of conflict or retaliatory activities. The government is giving the highest priority to maintaining political stability and a peaceful environment in the country.
According to political analysts, the recent incidents are not merely clashes on the ground but also an important test of how relations between the government and the main opposition force will evolve under the new political reality. They believe that no matter how intense political competition becomes, if the practice of dialogue, tolerance, and political decorum weakens, it will ultimately affect the democratic environment.
National Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah said all political parties need to exercise restraint. Differences of opinion are natural, but the language of criticism should never cross the boundaries of decency. He said responsible conduct, rather than political confrontation, is what the current situation requires most.
