BNP’s Purification Drive 2025 has been formally launched, yet the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) continues to struggle with controlling rogue elements within its ranks. Despite repeated warnings and organizational measures from top leadership, the grassroots remain mired in extortion, rape, murder, and disorder—raising questions about how effective this drive truly is.
As the national elections approach, BNP has kicked off a party-wide purge to remove criminal operatives. At the same time, the party leadership argues that BNP is being unfairly blamed in several recent controversies.
According to the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 349 incidents of political violence occurred in the last 11 months, leaving 87 dead and 3,929 injured. BNP and its affiliated organizations were involved in 323 of these incidents. Among the victims, at least 77 were killed and 3,653 were injured from within BNP’s own ranks.
In one of the most high-profile incidents, five members of the BNP’s affiliated wings—Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—were expelled for their alleged involvement in the brutal daylight killing of scrap dealer Lal Chand, alias Sohag, near Sir Salimullah Medical College in Dhaka. The murder, reportedly over control of the local scrap trade and extortion rackets, sparked widespread outrage across the country. Five suspects have been arrested so far.
Other recent controversies include an attack on a police station in Lalmonirhat, the rape of a woman in Bhola, the assault on a former Chief Election Commissioner, and public harassment of women at a Dhaka restaurant and bar—all incidents in which BNP members were allegedly involved. These cases made national headlines and fueled sharp criticism on social media.
In the Lalmonirhat incident, BNP activists stormed the Patgram Police Station and forcibly freed two individuals who had been convicted by a mobile court. Two local BNP leaders were expelled for their role. Patgram Upazila BNP president Shafiqul Rahman admitted, “It’s a big party—we can’t say that everyone is innocent or noble. Despite repeated directives, some defy the rules.”
In Bhola, similar disciplinary actions were taken following a rape case allegedly involving a BNP member. However, Bhola BNP’s joint convenor said, “A large party is bound to have some bad actors. But the whole party shouldn’t be blamed for one person’s actions.”
🔍 Organizational Measures Falling Short?
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party has adopted a policy of zero tolerance for indiscipline. “Any member who violates party discipline will face strict action, including being handed over to law enforcement,” he said. “We have also asked the government to be stricter in this regard.”
Following the downfall of the Awami League government in August 2024, local BNP units have been accused of increasing levels of political violence and criminal activity. In response, BNP claims to have expelled over 5,000 members for misconduct.
Still, analysts argue that such actions are inadequate.
A report by the Human Rights Support Society revealed that from January to June 2025, at least 529 incidents of political violence occurred, resulting in 79 deaths and more than 4,124 injuries. Of these, 302 incidents stemmed from internal BNP conflicts, with 54 killed and 2,834 injured. Another 140-plus clashes involved confrontations between BNP and other political parties.
Most of these incidents, the report says, were triggered by turf wars, revenge attacks, disputes over local committees, extortion, and land grabs.
Professor Dilara Chowdhury from Jahangirnagar University said, “BNP alone is not to blame. The fragile law and order situation across the country is a major contributor to this chaos.” She added that while lower-level offenders are punished, the senior leaders who overlook or enable such crimes are rarely held accountable.
Writer and political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed agreed, noting, “This isn’t just BNP’s issue. Every major political party suffers from similar problems. Whoever is close to power—either in it or eyeing it—attracts criminals. It’s no longer a secret. And without them, the party machine doesn’t run.”
🧭 Tarique Rahman’s Directives Losing Impact?
BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has often said that the party does not shy away from admitting faults and takes stern action against wrongdoers. On February 22, in a virtual address from London, he warned party members to steer clear of criminal activities. Just days later, on February 27, in a closed-door party meeting, 105 BNP leaders admitted that extortion, land grabbing, and tender manipulation were rampant within the organization.
But these warnings have had limited impact.
ASK data shows that from March to June 2025 alone, 409 internal BNP clashes resulted in 35 deaths and 1,105 injuries. Experts see this as a sign of deeper organizational disorder.
Dr. Mojibur Rahman from Dhaka University noted, “Tarique Rahman is trying to lead from afar, but distance hampers control. Had he been in Bangladesh, the situation might have been different.” He added, “Direct, on-the-ground communication is vital for maintaining discipline. Without it, even the best orders fall flat. Managing such a massive organization isn’t easy.”
⚙️BNP’s Purification Drive 2025 :Purification Drive: Symbolic or Substantive?
Salahuddin Ahmed insisted that the party’s purification drive is not just symbolic. “We’ve issued strong directives from the top. Each member is being thoroughly evaluated from grassroots to central level,” he said. “We’re also conducting field-level surveys to identify and eliminate bad actors within the party.”
He blamed the ruling culture of the Awami League era for fostering a climate of fear and corruption that seeped into all political spheres, including BNP. “This toxic culture can’t be undone overnight,” he said.
Salahuddin also criticized what he called a double standard in public discourse. “A Jubo Dal member was murdered in Khulna. An imam was attacked inside a mosque. But no one raised their voice. Yet whenever anything happens, BNP is immediately accused. Many such claims later turn out to be false,” he added, citing the Muradnagar incident, which was initially blamed on BNP but later traced to a family dispute involving a ruling party member.
BNP’s Purification Drive 2025 is shaping up to be a litmus test for the party’s credibility ahead of the upcoming elections. If this drive fails to bring real reform, internal chaos may erode public trust. The time has come to ensure that BNP’s Purification Drive 2025 is more than rhetoric—it must deliver results.
