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The ruling BNP is examining allegations of extortion, land grabbing and vandalism against its leaders and activists, with senior figures saying they will act against anyone found guilty while dismissing most of the claims as politically motivated.
The allegations have surfaced barely six months after the party took office.
Extortion and land grabbing, once blamed on the now-banned Awami League, are increasingly being attributed to BNP-linked people by opposition parties, critics and members of the public.
Party insiders said the leadership was treating the matter seriously. It is checking whether individuals are exploiting the party’s position and trying to establish the sources and motives behind the accusations.
Several senior leaders told the Daily Sun on Monday that the party did not want the allegations to overshadow the government’s development initiatives or damage its image among the public.
The debate sharpened after several recent incidents, including the vandalism of content creator Salman Muqtadir’s studio in the capital. Political opponents linked the attack to extortion and land grabbing.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said it happened amid a dispute over ownership and attempts to take control of the property.
BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said the allegations of extortion, toll collection and seizure of land and other property were the subject of considerable debate.
“I think most of the allegations are false, baseless and politically motivated. A certain quarter is pointing fingers at BNP leaders and activists in an attempt to tarnish the party’s political image and thwart the government’s development activities,” he said.
He said the party’s high command was monitoring the overall situation and looking into the allegations before deciding its next step.
“We will take tough action if any leaders or activists of the party and its other affiliated bodies are found guilty in this connection,” Dudu said.
He added that BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had set an example by taking stern action against some party men for breaching organisational rules.
Dudu also said a section of people had entered BNP politics after the 5 August 2024 changeover and, posing as party leaders and activists, were carrying out crimes, including extortion and the seizure of land and other property, across the country.
BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Imran Saleh Prince said the party would act against those found involved after proper investigations.
He alleged that politically motivated accusations were being levelled against BNP leaders and activists.
He said law enforcement agencies must take strict legal action against extortionists and land grabbers, as such offenders “do not belong to any political party”. He also asked why the agencies appeared reluctant to arrest extortionists and troublemakers to keep law and order under control.
Prince said the people had brought the BNP to power with a clear majority, and no one had the right to undermine its goodwill or obstruct the government’s development programmes with fabricated allegations.
He said discipline among leaders and activists was essential to preserving public confidence and preventing vested interests from using the party’s name for personal or political gain.
Meanwhile, allegations involving people claiming BNP links continue to emerge in different parts of the country.
The opposition, the public and some within the party have called for closer monitoring of the party’s grassroots activities.
The government has also stated a tough position.
BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi recently said it had declared “zero tolerance” against extortion and terrorism.
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