Beware of ‘coverts’ and ‘fascists’ aligning

Tarique tells BNP MPs

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed party leaders to strengthen the grassroots and stay united ahead of the upcoming local government elections, warning of a possible alignment between the “covert” and “fascist” forces.

Speaking at a three-hour BNP parliamentary party meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban yesterday evening, he also warned against extortion and land grabbing, stressed accountability, and urged vigilance during Durga Puja.

Several MPs said Tarique wanted election preparations to begin immediately, regardless of when the polls are held. Candidates should be selected locally based on grassroots support, organisational experience, and contributions to the party.

“No one will be picked from the centre for the local government elections. Qualified and acceptable candidates should be selected locally, and their names should be sent to the centre. The prime minister has instructed that there must be no disorder in this process,” one MP said.

Tarique has already met district leaders division by division to discuss candidate selection.

MPs said Tarique had voiced concern about a possible future alignment between the “fascist” and “covert” forces, by which he meant Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami.

To deal with such an alignment, the party chairman urged leaders to spend more time in their constituencies, reconnect with activists, and arrange programmes suited to local needs rather than rely solely on BNP HQ’s directives, MPs said.

The attack, vandalism, and attempted takeover of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1 also came up at the meeting. Tarique cited the incident as a warning against misconduct. BNP reserved-seat MP Ferdousy Ahmed had to resign amid allegations of having links with the incident.

“There is no place for extortionists and land grabbers in the BNP. The prime minister is very serious about this. No one will get away with extortion or wrongdoing,” Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said.

Tarique also instructed lawmakers to take a tough stance against violence against women.

Lawmakers were asked to meet constituents, prevent abuse of power, and monitor the fair distribution of social safety-net benefits.

Tarique urged lawmakers to ensure peaceful Durga Puja celebrations by coordinating with local administrations, police, and Puja committees, supporting Hindu worshippers and reporting incidents to law enforcement instead of taking the law into their own hands.

“There was an old belief that Hindus always voted for the Awami League. But this time, they voted for the BNP. That is why the meeting instructed us to extend all kinds of support to them during their festival,” one lawmaker said.

Tarique also advised lawmakers to observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7, taking local circumstances into consideration.

Lawmakers complained of poor coordination with deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers, alleging that officials sometimes ignored their views.

Some also said proposed lists of fertiliser dealers had been changed to include different names.

One MP said he continued to face court appearances over politically motivated cases filed during the previous government.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said instructions had been issued regarding political cases filed since 2007 and advised lawmakers to contact the relevant authorities, noting that some might be unaware of the measures.

Several MPs raised concerns over drug trafficking and suspects securing bail soon after arrest, saying this undermined local efforts to control drug abuse.

Tarique acknowledged that law and order had not improved as expected despite government efforts.

Citing various challenges, including the “mobilisation of mobs against the government on social media”, he urged lawmakers to remain prepared.

Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku discussed improvements in electricity supply and gas exploration and drilling.

MPs were also urged to counter misleading claims and rumours about the economy and energy sector.

The meeting, attended by 194 MPs, covered the wider political situation and the challenge of keeping the party active while running the government.

Around 20 MPs and 10 ministers spoke, some submitting written statements, during an open discussion on national and local issues.

Tarique said he wanted more direct communication with lawmakers and to hear about their concerns.