The BNP has devised strategies to prepare its leaders and activists for the upcoming national elections. In an extended meeting, the party’s grassroots leaders will present their concerns to the central leadership, while the highest forum will provide guidance to keep the party united and ready for future changes.

Under the slogan “Strong Unity Can Thwart All Conspiracies,” the long-anticipated extended meeting of the BNP is taking place after nearly seven years. The event is being held today in an open field adjacent to the LD Hall of the National Parliament.

BNP leaders and activists stated that they are eager to hear the party’s directives at the meeting. They will also address various issues, including local problems, conspiracies by rival groups, conflicts among multiple nomination seekers, and the influence of opportunists within the party. They affirmed that they will adhere to the high command’s instructions to resolve these issues.

Several senior BNP leaders noted that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman wants to hear the grassroots leaders’ grievances, aspirations, and thoughts on the organizational structure. They believe the ruling government has tarnished previous elections and destroyed the electoral process. Many BNP members who participated in the 2018 elections faced severe repression. Although the current environment has changed, Tarique Rahman will listen to their struggles and concerns. The meeting will also address political conspiracies against BNP, law and order issues, rising prices, internal conflicts, and election strategies.

When asked about the possible outcomes of the extended meeting, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the discussions will reveal grassroots perspectives on the upcoming election, which will shape the party’s organizational and political directives. He emphasized that these leaders have been actively protesting on the streets and will bring forward proposals based on their experiences.

The last extended meeting took place on February 4, 2018, where BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia delivered a speech. She is currently undergoing medical treatment in London.

Reports indicate that approximately 3,500 leaders from various organizational tiers will attend this meeting, including National Standing Committee members, advisors to the Chairperson, National Executive Committee members, metropolitan, district, sub-district, and municipal committee leaders, as well as leaders from BNP’s 11 affiliate organizations. Additionally, candidates who received party nominations or preliminary approval in the 2018 general election will also be present.

Party leaders revealed that this extended meeting will be held on a larger scale, featuring documentary screenings, magazine publications, and several sessions. The main event will conclude with a closed-door session where grassroots leaders will voice their concerns, followed by a policy speech from Tarique Rahman.

Regarding the meeting’s key messages, former BNP Organizational Secretary Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu remarked that over the last 16 years, BNP activists have endured imprisonment, repression, and even sacrifices of life in their fight against fascism. Now, the primary goal is to restore democracy as soon as possible, reclaim voting rights, and prioritize the upcoming national election. However, he acknowledged that conspiracies and obstacles remain, making internal unity crucial.

Grassroots leaders stressed that the sooner the election is held, the sooner the country can escape its current crisis. They pointed out that law and order have deteriorated significantly, with rising violence, extortion, and illegal land grabs. Some accused Jamaat-e-Islami of secretly consolidating control over educational institutions while spreading misinformation and propaganda against BNP activists.

They also described the next election as a crucial test for BNP, noting that internal divisions have surfaced among party leaders. They expect the extended meeting to provide guidance on resolving these conflicts. Additionally, they plan to mobilize campaigns and exert pressure for a national election by December under an interim government.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku called the meeting timely and essential, stating that both BNP activists and the general public are now focused on the elections and eagerly awaiting the opportunity to vote.