BNP plans Dec street programs to counter AL sabotage
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
BNP will not tolerate any kind of instability in December and will remain on the streets throughout the month of victory with political programs to counter potential sabotage, arson terrorism, and anarchy by the activity-banned Awami League (AL).
At the same time, the party is taking initiatives to increase coordination with political parties both inside and outside parliament to consolidate anti-fascist national unity. To this end, its Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may hold meetings with allies of the movement.
BNP believes that Sheikh Hasina’s announcement to return to the country in December is primarily a strategy to keep the AL energized and to create political instability. However, the party will take a firm stance against any sabotage and instability during that time.
BNP leaders and activists and its associate organizations are already on the streets following central directives against recent arson terrorism and anarchy by fascist forces.
Speaking to Agamir Somoy, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “The fallen fascist forces, along with their local agents, are trying to systematically create sabotage and instability in the country from the neighboring country. Under these circumstances, the government has taken overall security measures to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.
“Widespread police drives are underway. The government is showing zero tolerance against those engaging in gang activities, from neighborhood teenage gangs to terrorist acts. Those who create unrest in society will get no exemption; they must face the law.
“As a party, we are presenting information about the terrorist activities of the fallen fascist forces before the people of the country. Each of us is alert against their unjust activities so that no one can plan any sabotage.”
Hasina’s return announcement is political stunt
After being ousted in the student-led July mass uprising of 2024, Hasina fled to India. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to death in absentia in November 2025 in crimes against humanity cases committed during the suppression of the July-August movement. Since then, discussions have been ongoing regarding bringing her back to the country to face trial.
In such a situation, sitting in India in August of this year, Hasina announced that she would return to the country in December. Reports also emerged regarding her applying for a new passport for this purpose.
However, the Bangladesh government rejected her passport application and said if she wants to return to the country, an extradition application must be made to India.
The issue came up for discussion at a meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party on Monday, prior to the fourth session of the 13th National Parliament.
There, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed that if Hasina wants to return to the country, the government will take necessary measures in accordance with the existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India.
At the parliamentary party meeting, Tarique instructed party members to remain active on the streets. He said, “The message is loud and clear - we are on the streets, we must remain on the streets, and we must confront all conspiracies on the streets.”
BNP leaders believe that an effort is being made to construct a certain “narrative” regarding Hasina’s return to the country.
In this context, Rizvi added, “There are charges and cases against Hasina for killing numerous people. In one case, a death sentence has already been handed down against her. Yet, discussions about bringing her back to the country are taking place as if she went to her father’s house or husband’s house, and needs to be brought back with receptions of flowers.”
He noted, “Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India. This is a legal matter. Therefore, in the case of convicted accused Hasina, the question of voluntary return cannot arise. She must be brought back under the extradition treaty.”
BNP views Hasina’s announcement of returning to the country as mere “political stunt”. Leaders of the party believe she will not return to the country with a death sentence hanging over her head.
Rather, through this announcement, the AL is attempting to heat up the field and keep the party energized. In this situation, BNP wants to bring other political parties onboard to counter sabotage.
On Wednesday, during a speech delivered under Rule 300 in the fourth session of parliament, Salahuddin called for maintaining the national unity forged during the anti-AL fascist democratic movement, rising above political differences.
He said everyone, including the ruling party, opposition party, and political parties outside parliament, must remain united to maintain the country’s democratic journey and counter the conspiracies of fallen fascist forces.
Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman welcomed his call.
According to party sources, Tarique may sit with the allies of the anti-fascist movement on the question of national unity. Earlier, on 20 July, Tarique exchanged greetings and hosted a dinner with leaders of 41 political parties participating in the movement.
Preparations underway to finalize programs in December
In the prevailing political situation, Rizvi held a meeting on Tuesday with the party’s joint secretaries general, organizational and assistant organizational secretaries, and top leaders of Dhaka Metropolitan.
Discussions were held during the meeting regarding the observance of political programs throughout December on the occasion of the Victory Day. Various programs including discussion meetings, rallies, and gatherings may be scheduled. These programs will be finalized soon in a meeting with Tarique.
Speaking to Agamir Somoy, BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said, “The fascist force that fled and was defeated in the face of the mass uprising is trying to resurface again. This must be confronted politically and administratively at any cost. Public resistance against them must be built locally.”
He added, “Our experience tells us that Hasina will not return. But by repeatedly declaring her intention to return, they want to create anarchy, fish in troubled waters, and take revenge for their defeat in the mass uprising. In this situation, ensuring the security of the lives and property of the people is the responsibility of the government. For this reason, we urge the government to apply whatever measures are necessary.”
