Ruling Awami League has become desperate to know what the BNP’s strategy regarding the 11th parliamentary election as senior party members think that it will be easier to take steps if they knew whether BNP would participate in the election or protest against it.
According to the central leaders of the ruling party, Awami League will have a much easier time figuring out its next moves if it has a clear idea about BNP’s political plans and policies after the verdict the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case has been given.
Sources have said the government has employed different detective agencies to maintain a steady communication with BNP’s party leaders in order to gain knowledge on their political plans. On the other hand, law enforcement agencies have been trying their best to acquire information out of the BNP leaders who have been arrested so far.
Awami League party leaders, especially the ones with ties to BNP leadership, are trying hard to get information out of the BNP leaders. Ruling party leaders are also trying to meet with BNP leaders by appearing in various talk-shows with them.
Different sources of Awami League have informed that the party will take differing stances on BNP’s politics based on whether BNP will appear in the election or not.
Party sources have also said that the ruling party has already decided on their policies regarding BNP’s participation in the next parliamentary election. If BNP does take part, Awami League will soften its position and proceed accordingly. However, strict measures will be taken against BNP if it tries to engage in anti-election activities in a similar manner to the one it took during the January 5 election in 2014.
Ruling party members think BNP, alongside protests, will boycott the election altogether if Khaleda Zia is arrested. In that case, it will be easier to implement strict measures.
When asked about this matter, Awami League Joint Secretary General Mahbubul Alam Hanif said, “We hope that BNP will participate in the election. But if it thinks of pursuing an alternative course, results are going to be scary.”
“Certainly, BNP will not pursue an alternative method. If it acts democratically, it will be provided with all the provisions that any political party can expect from the government,” he added.
Party member Dr Abdur Razzaq said, “BNP’s activities will determine BNP’s democratic rights and privileges. If instead, it tries to destroy democracy, it will be dealt with the response it deserves.”
He further said that BNP will be rewarded with the appropriate rights and privileges if it co-operates democratically.