According to several sources in BNP, the party is planning a new movement by keeping the workers and allies united. In this regard, formal discussions have begun with allies including Republic Forum, 12-party alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samman Jote, LDP, Gana Forum and Gana Adhikar Parishad.
BNP is planning a new program after consulting everyone. However, before taking to the streets with any programme, the party’s policy making platform is focusing on the release of jailed leaders and workers, including the general secretary.
BNP leaders say that they are still in the movement and will continue till the restoration of people’s voting rights and the departure of the government. However, there are concerns among policy makers about ‘fatigue’ caused by prolonged agitation. The second concern is how to reorganize and motivate the leaders and workers who have become ‘disillusioned’ after the elections. The individuals concerned said it may be difficult to involve leaders and supporters in new movements if there is no expectation of change.
However, BNP senior joint general secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi disagreed with the view, saying, “If we look at the liberation movements of the subcontinent, it took 100 to 150 years to achieve victory. We are fighting for people’s right to vote, democracy and freedom of expression. “The battle in action may be interrupted, but the final struggle never ends.”
The leaders responsible said that despite obstacles, attacks and lawsuits, they were consistently peaceful and orderly in their movement. He considers the people’s response to the call for a peaceful boycott of the elections a significant victory in the movement.
Some grassroots leaders expressed their ambiguity on the party’s goals and action plan. Speaking to Prothom Alo, he said that there are no internal discussions or instructions in the party regarding strategies for the coming days. It will be really difficult to move forward without any specific goals.