THE political landscape has long been spoilt by a culture of impunity, where leaders and activists, shielded by party loyalty, often escape accountability. Corruption, extortion and the abuse of power have historically gone unpunished, fuelling public distrust and alienating ordinary citizens from the political process. While this problem has affected all major political parties, recent developments within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party suggest an effort to shift course. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has taken notable steps to address misconduct within its ranks, but how meaningful and sustainable are these efforts? Could the Bangladesh Nationalist Party truly be leading the way to a new era of accountability or are its actions simply a political manoeuvre in response to the shifting winds of public sentiment?
BNP’s internal accountability
SINCE the political upheaval of August 5, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has launched a series of internal reforms, which have resulted in organisational actions against more than 1,000 leaders and activists. They include members from influential party wings like Chhatra Dal, Juba Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal. Allegations ranging from extortion to violent assaults have prompted the party leadership to act swiftly, sometimes within hours, sending a clear signal that misconduct will not be tolerated.
For instance, when a party leader’s name surfaced in connection with a murder in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party promptly issued a show-cause notice, demanding accountability within 24 hours. Similarly, when Juba Dal activists attempted to seize an industrialist’s establishment in Tejgaon, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s high command intervened, forcing the activists to back down. These incidents demonstrate a break from the tradition of sweeping party wrongdoings under the rug, a practice long associated with the political elite in Bangladesh.
However, critics might question whether such action represent a genuine shift or merely a temporary attempt at polishing the party image. Are these organisational measures part of a well-thought-out strategy to instill long-term accountability, or are they reactive, intended to shield the Bangladesh Nationalist Party from public criticism at a politically sensitive time? While the party’s swift response is commendable, sceptics might argue that lasting change requires a deeper cultural shift, not just short-term disciplinary measures.
Leadership or damage control?
AT THE forefront of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s renewed focus on accountability is its acting chairman. His leadership has been central to the party’s recent push for discipline as he meets regularly party units, issuing warnings and enforcing new standards of governance. His insistence on maintaining party discipline, even after years of repression under the Awami League-led government, has helped the Bangladesh Nationalist Party curb incidents of misconduct that might otherwise have escalated.
The handling of party discipline has led to decisive action, such as the dissolution of a district committees accused of forcibly taking possession of a businessman’s car. Yet, while the action appears to reflect strong leadership, some may wonder whether they are primarily efforts to manage the party’s public image during a period of political transition. Is the party truly committed to reforms within, or is it seeking to maintain tight control over the party as it navigates a complex political environment?
The balancing act between projecting accountability and managing internal tension is delicate. As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party works to re-establish itself in a changing political landscape, the sustainability of these reforms may hinge on whether it can promote a culture of genuine accountability that goes beyond the short-term need to restore public confidence.
Discipline at grass roots
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s efforts to enforce discipline are not limited to high-profile cases. Across the country, from district committees to local organisers, party leaders have faced consequences for violating internal rules. In one case, a regional leader was reprimanded for accepting favours from an company while others involved in violent clashes over public spaces have been removed from their positions.
The action suggests the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s commitment to curbing the kind of power struggles that have often undermined party integrity. Yet, some may question whether these measures represent a meaningful transformation in political culture or merely a series of isolated action aimed at damage control. It is one thing to remove wrongdoers from positions of power while it is another to ensure that the political environment that allowed such behavioru to thrive is fundamentally reformed.
The challenge for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is not just expelling activists who engage in misconduct but building an organisational culture that prioritises transparency and accountability at all levels. Can the party institutionalise the reforms, ensuring that they are not just a reaction to public pressure but part of a long-term strategy to reshape how political parties operate?
Road ahead
AFTER 15 years of exclusion from political scene under the Awami League regime, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is eager to position itself as a party capable of offering a credible alternative. The party’s commitment to internal accountability, symbolised by swift disciplinary measures, could be seen as part of a broader effort to transform its image. However, whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s action represents a true break from the past or a tactical shift remains to be seen.
The entrenched culture of extortion, land grab and political violence is not easily undone. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s leadership may have taken strong steps to address these issues, but the true test lies in whether the party can sustain its efforts over time. Will the momentum for reform continue once the immediate political pressures subside? And more important, can the Bangladesh Nationalist Party demonstrate that its commitment to accountability is more than a political calculation?
The road to meaningful political reform is long and fraught with challenges. While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s recent efforts mark a departure from the impunity that has for long characterised Bangladeshi politics, the task of reshaping the political culture requires sustained commitment and deep institutional changes. For the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the issue is not just whether it can hold its activists accountable today but whether it can create a lasting framework for accountability that will endure in the years to come.
As the party moves forward, both its supporters and critics will be watching closely. The success of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s internal reforms will not only shape the party’s future but may also set a new standard for other political parties. The stakes are high and the outcomes uncertain. Whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party can truly lead the way to a more accountable political culture remains one of the central issues of the evolving political landscape.
HM Nazmul Alam is a lecturer in English and modern languages in the International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.