Abdur Rahman Khan
Giving a public perception about an organisational crisis in the major opposition party BNP, Sadek Hossain Khoka has sought relief from the post of convener of Dhaka city BNP.
Khoka’s resignation following the ventilation of dissatisfaction among the grassroots, also indicates an imminent change in the leaderships of the party in Dhaka city and other major front organisations.
While expressing his desire to quit the post, BNP’s vice-chairman and former Dhaka city corporation mayor, Khoka told a press conference on Wednesday that , “I have been holding the post for 17 and half years. I want someone else to replace me.”
At the outset of the press conference, the city-unit members said various news items are being published spreading rumours about the committee and “a section within the party is resorting to blame game” on the matter. They said the press conference was arranged to clarify their stand.
Khoka claimed to have sent his proposal to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia seeking relief from the post. But he will continue to discharge his duties until he is replaced by his successor.
“I feel the urgency of reshuffle in Dhaka city unit. Many days gone by since I took over as convener,” he said.
Replying to a query as to whether he will resign, he said, “It is not a matter of resignation. I told BNP chairperson. She will surely take an effective step. I believe she will find a new face to wage anti-government movement in future. If there is politics in the country, Khaleda Zia will obviously be the winner.”
Khoka declined to resign, reiterating the emergency need to recast the committee. “Whatever steps Khaleda Zia takes will be supported by us,” he added.
Asked about his plan if Khaleda Zia wants him to continue in the post, Khoka said, “I held the post for 17 and half years. I like to be replaced by somebody else. I proposed the name of Mirza Abbas and Abdul Awal Mintoo for the post.”
If the above two persons refused to hold the post, Brig-Gen (retd) Hannan Shah should be given the charge, he said.
He said, “So far as I know Mirza Abbas and Hannan Shah are unable to hold the post. The name of Hannan Shah is being earmarked. But the decision will be taken by Khaleda Zia. Any decision about forming a new committee will be disclosed after consulting party high-ups. I will continue to discharge my duties as a sincere worker until a new committee is formed.”
He rejected a claim that BNP’s movement was not successful. But he admitted that it was not possible for the opposition to succeed in any movement facing the hard stand the government took.
Replying to a query whether he would like to claim the responsibility for failure of movement, he said “Dhaka city was divided into eight parts to wage movement. Eight leaders were assigned to lead the movement. I and Hannan Shah were arrested but six others were outside. What did they do? A blame game continues over the issue.”
He avoided a question as to whether not forming a new committee is his failure. He claimed that Dhaka city unit of BNP is united.
He called upon his party men to learn from the democratic movement BNP waged to topple what he said illegal government. He said ousting government is just a matter of time.
It may be pointed out that central and grass-roots-level leaders and activists are critical of Dhaka city unit leaderships’ dubious role in the movement. A demand has been raised for forming a new committee.
A full-fledged committee of Dhaka City unit has not been formed in two and a half years. The term of associate organisations like Juba Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Krishiak Dal and many others also expired. The reformation of the committee of Chhatra Dal is still uncertain. The leaders and activists of BNP were active against the January 5 parliament election January 5 but they are now inactive facing several cases and attacks.
Party sources said under this circumstance, it would become very tough to strengthen the anti-government movement.
However, very recently BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia said she would go for movement after reshuffling the party. She has given indication of reforming the party and its associate organisations after the upazila elections.
It is learnt that Begum Zia took the decision at a standing committee meeting for holding the council of the party. BNP’s senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman is also monitoring the overall situation of the party from London. He has advised the concerned leaders to overcome the weak points of the party.
It is learnt the number of BNP organisational districts in the country is 75. Despite announcement that attempt would be made to oversee the condition of the grassroots organisations, the organisational tours were cancelled by BNP on the plea of upazila elections.
Meanwhile, BNP leadership has decided to undertake organisational tours to restore organisational structure that had broken down after the January 5 election. Committees were also formed under the leadership of senior leaders of BNP. The motive was to revamp the organisation and prepare for future movement.
However, the organisational tour programmes were cancelled ahead of upazila polls. But many in BNP indicate that some of the central leaders may not be welcomed if they go to the grassroots as most of them were in hiding leaving the grassroots activist face the wrath at local level and on the street.
Source: Weekly Holiday
