Extortionists, land grabbers have no place in BNP: Chief whip

The BNP will take a tough stance against extortion, land grabbing and other wrongdoing, with no place in the party for those involved in such activities, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni has said.

The party will also seek to field single candidates through consensus in upcoming local government elections and has instructed its leaders not to interfere in the electoral process, he said.

Moni made the remarks after a meeting of ruling party lawmakers, chaired by party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, at the ruling party lawmakers’ meeting room in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban last night (11 October). The meeting began at 6:20pm.

The chief whip said the prime minister had listened to lawmakers’ concerns and relevant ministers had discussed ways to address various problems.

Tarique Rahman also gave directives on lawmakers’ responsibilities inside and outside parliament, party activities, local government elections and security during the upcoming Durga Puja, Moni said.

BNP to help ensure security during Durga Puja

On the upcoming Durga Puja, Moni said the prime minister had stressed that members of the Hindu community, particularly those from minority communities, should not face problems and that the BNP should stand beside them.

BNP leaders, activists and lawmakers will work alongside law enforcement agencies and the administration to maintain law and order during the festival, he added.

The prime minister also gave directives on observing 7 November, Moni said, adding that the party would celebrate the day after a long gap.

BNP seeks consensus on local polls

Regarding the upcoming local government elections, Moni said the prime minister had instructed party leaders to select suitable candidates through consensus and communicate the government’s achievements to voters.

He said the government’s initiatives should deliver tangible benefits to the people and lawmakers should assess whether its activities were meeting public expectations. Any shortcomings should be reported to the parliamentary leader and relevant ministers.

Moni said no discussion had taken place on the election schedule. The Election Commission generally consults the Local Government Division before making decisions on local government polls, as the relevant ministry is involved in their administration and activities, he added.

He stressed that the elections must be free and fair, with no interference, so that candidates genuinely deserving of public support could be elected.

As the BNP has an extensive grassroots organisation, the party will try to field a single candidate in each union, he said.

Moni added that the elections would not be held under party symbols this year. The BNP wants people to participate in the polls in a festive atmosphere and elect candidates who enjoy public acceptance.

The party would take further decisions on the matter later, he said, adding that no specific discussion had yet taken place.

‘Action against Hasina will follow the law’

Asked whether the parliamentary party meeting had discussed Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s reported plan to return to Bangladesh in December, Moni said the issue had not been discussed.

“If she comes, action will be taken according to the law. There is nothing to discuss about this. The government will take only such decisions as are required under the law,” he said, adding that the government remained alert.

‘No protection for those using BNP name to commit crimes’

On party discipline, Moni said the prime minister had emphasised unity and discipline among BNP leaders and activists.

“No extortionist will be tolerated, no land grabber will be tolerated, and there is no place in the BNP for extortionists and land grabbers,” he said.

Moni added that the prime minister was taking the matter very seriously and the party would not allow anyone to escape accountability for extortion, land grabbing or other wrongdoing by using the BNP’s name.