BNP gears up for national elections in stages

The BNP has resumed its membership renewal process after eight years, emphasizing the need to bring in "good people" to strengthen the party and contribute to rebuilding the state. As part of its preparations for the upcoming national elections, the party aims to implement changes to activate its manpower, increase legal funding, and restore internal discipline. Once the renewal process is complete, the BNP plans to launch a recruitment drive for new members.

Party leaders have expressed their commitment to bolstering the organization by including experienced, dedicated, honest, and educated individuals. Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman affirmed that the BNP is organizationally stronger and prepared for the elections. Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir noted that while the party wants early elections, it has not proposed a specific date. He suggested that elections could take place between July and August if the government cooperates, though constitutional reforms may be challenging without a functioning parliament.

To gear up for the elections, the BNP has taken several steps, including renewing primary memberships, dissolving and reconstituting district and union committees, and encouraging its 2018 candidates to become more active in their constituencies. The party had previously aimed for 10 million members in 2017 but currently estimates around 7 million primary members. This time, the BNP intends to establish a membership database.

According to BNP Central Publicity Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku, the membership renewal process is crucial for energizing the party. The focus for new nominations will be on individuals with clean reputations, including freedom fighters, professionals, and those from diverse sectors like education, law, journalism, and business. Additionally, candidates emerging from Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student wing, are expected to play a significant role in the elections.

Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a Standing Committee Member, highlighted that the party’s potential candidates are already engaging with their constituencies and conducting extensive public outreach. Local leaders are also actively contributing to district and upazila activities. The BNP has issued instructions for its candidates to reorganize party units and strengthen grassroots connections as part of their election preparations.

Mirza Fakhrul warned that delaying the elections would worsen the nation’s political and economic crisis. He urged the government, the Election Commission, and other political parties to work together to ensure elections are held by mid-2025, stressing that the country is facing a critical and sensitive period.