BNP yet to form over a dozen district bodies

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Dhaka

Saturday, 04 September 2010

Author / Source : SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate bodies have long been beset with internal feuds, which, occasionally, take serious turns through violent clashes.
The clashes between leaders and workers of Juba Dal with leaders and workers of Sechasevak Dal at a discussion meeting in celebration of the party's 32nd founding anniversary at Mahanagar Nattya Mancha in the presence of top BNP leaders on August 31 is the latest example. The question being raised in different circles is whether BNP could launch its much-discussed anti-government agitation programme before setting its own house in order. The party's failure to announce formation of over a dozen district committees, including the city committee and Manikganj committee, is seen as one if its weak points.
The leadership is sharply divided over choice of names for district committees and attempts to resolve feuds have so far failed, BNP sources said. Violation of discipline by a section of leaders and workers has, however, been attributed to the absence of disciplinary action against those responsible for ignoring commands, they added.
In recent times, disciplinary action was taken only against former MP Salaudin Ahmed (Demra) for defying the high command's instruction, the source said. He is known as a supporter of Mirza Abbas, who intends to become the party's city committee chief.
Another contender for the post is Dhaka City Corporation Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka.
Abbas has, however, been made a member of BNP standing committee, while Khoka is a vice-chairman.
Khoka's name is being circulated as the choice of city committee chief but as announcement is being delayed since Abbas is behind the bars, some standing committee members said. 
The disciplinary action taken against Salauddin has already been withdrawn.
Violent clashes took place inside the party central office over formation of the Barisal city committee in presence of some important party leaders including Amanullah Aman. Several supporters of rival Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, MP, and Ahsan Habib Kamal were injured.
But no disciplinary action was taken against anyone, a source said, adding that this has worsened the situation.
Meanwhile, Mujibur Rahman Sarwar has gone to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah on his own. He managed to fly by the same aircraft with party chief Khaleda Zia, while some promoters of Ahsan Habib Kamal have gone to Saudi Arabia separately hoping to get opportunity to meet her during Umrah.
Chances for them to meet her, however, appear slim.
Supporters of Juba Dal and Sechasevak Dal were engaged in clashes also on an earlier occasion at a rally in front of Muktangan over sitting arrangements.
A dozen people were injured in another clash between two factions of BNP at Jindabazar and Court Point in Sylhet on May 6 last.
At least 21 persons were arrested from the spot following the clashes. A faction loyal to president of BNP's UK chapter, Kamaruddin Chowdhury, had called a rally at Court Point that day to protest the murder of a party leader and press home a 21-point demand.
Supporters of Kamaruddin, led by local BNP leaders Abul Kahar Shamim and Shahariar Hossain Chowdhury, brought out a procession from the party's Ambarkhana office. When the rally reached Alhamra Shopping Centre at Jindabazar, supporters of Ilias Ali intercepted, triggering a skirmish.
The violent clashes between supporters of rival leaders over formation of Chittagong city committee also annoyed the party chief to the extent that she had to choose an Awami League man as the BNP's mayoral candidate.
The rivalry between the rival groups was so strong that the organisation had to discover Manjur Alam as Chittagong
City Corporation mayor candidate.  
Manjur Alam's victory as the BNP-Jamaat-backed candidate in the mayoral polls has, however, bolstered the party's morale.