BNP sets clear political boundaries

BNP leaders believe reserved-seat MP Ferdousy Ahmed resigning on the instruction of the prime minister has sent a strong warning across the party.

They say the party leadership is trying to make it clear that MPs, ministers and senior leaders must remain careful about their own actions and those of people around them.

They also say that abuse of power, controversial activities or anything that damages the party’s image could bring disciplinary or political consequences, regardless of position in the party or government.

Ferdousy allegedly had links to the attack on a healthcare centre in Mirpur over a week ago.

Political analysts, however, question whether it is too late for the BNP to try to recover its image, given earlier controversies involving its leaders.

Many BNP leaders and lawmakers were surprised after party Chairman Tarique Rahman instructed her on Wednesday night to leave parliament over the controversy surrounding the attack, looting, and partial demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1.

She submitted her resignation yesterday, and her reserved seat was later declared vacant.

On Wednesday night, the BNP also dissolved the 51-member convening committee of Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP, of which Ferdousy was a joint convener.

Party leaders said the allegations over the Radda attack embarrassed the government and the ruling party and gave the opposition ammunition.

A minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a visible response had become necessary.

Several individuals, some close to Ferdousy, of the party’s local unit being allegedly involved in the incident made matters worse, according to party sources.

“An incident took place over a disputed site, and activities by people associated with the lawmaker damaged our party’s image,” BNP MP Shahadat Hossain Selim of Lakshmipur-1 said.

The decision on her resignation sent a wider message, he said, adding that opposition politicians, bureaucrats and others should be held to the same standard of law and accountability.

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said, “The prime minister’s position on crime is very tough, and this decision has made it clear. Whoever the offender is, whether from inside the party or outside, tough action will be taken.”

Another BNP leader said, “The prime minister wants to send the message first within his own party and government, and then to other parties, so that no one can accuse him of favouring his own people or applying double standards.”

Allegations against other ruling-party MPs and their family members had surfaced over different issues.

In July, the BNP issued a show-cause notice to Mymensingh-11 MP Fakhruddin Ahmed Bachchu over allegations of demanding money from industrial establishments. He was asked to explain his position within 48 hours. He refuted the allegations.

A similar allegation was raised against Khairul Islam Sajib, son of Narayanganj-3 MP Azharul Islam Mannan. Police detained and questioned Sajib before releasing him to his family on a written undertaking. Jubo Dal expelled him. Sajib and his family denied the allegations.

Political analysts said the damage to the party’s image had already been done and that tougher action earlier could have reduced the political cost.

Mohammad Mojibur Rahman, a professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research, said the decision on Ferdousy’s resignation was strong but should have come earlier.

Such a move would make MPs, ministers and other office-holders more careful, he said.

He added that everyone involved in the attack and destruction should be identified through a proper investigation.

For the BNP, the next test will be whether the same approach is followed in future cases and whether those found responsible in the Radda investigation face legal action.

Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, a former professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University, said, “Ferdousy Ahmed’s resignation is an immediate political and organisational response, but the more important question now is what happens in the investigation and legal process.”

PMO and party sources said the government is also considering tougher action against extortion, land grabbing, and other crimes regardless of political identity.

Its plans include updating a nationwide database of offenders and preparing local lists through intelligence agencies, district administrations, and police.