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Before assuming the Prime Minister’s office, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman had stated that strict action would be taken against terrorists, extortionists, and corrupt individuals, regardless of their party affiliation. By instructing an MP from his own party to resign last Thursday, he has proven that he will not tolerate terrorists, extortionists, and corrupt individuals in the slightest.
His zero-tolerance policy against those involved in these crimes is not mere rhetoric. The Prime Minister believes in what he says and implements it.
In the history of Bangladesh’s parliamentary democracy, despite clear allegations of corruption, extortion, and terrorism against numerous Members of Parliament in the past, no political party was able to take action against them. Publicly recognized terrorists and drug traffickers like Joynal Hazari of Feni or Yaba Emperor Bodi easily became Members of Parliament.
Everyone knew there were accusations against them. Yet, no measures were taken by the then-ruling party. Not just MPs, but even low-level leaders and workers of the government party would freely engage in various types of crimes. Law enforcement agencies could not take action against them because they operated under the umbrella of the ruling party.
It seemed as if ruling party members were given a license for terrorism, extortion, and corruption. However, Tarique Rahman, upon returning to the country on December 25th last year after a long 17 years, announced a change to this immoral trend in Bangladeshi politics. He stated that corrupt individuals, extortionists, and terrorists have no party identity; their only identity is that they are criminals. Tarique Rahman has kept his word. He asked female Member of Parliament Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti to resign.
Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti’s name surfaced in connection with the attack, looting, and vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP health center in Mirpur, the capital. Following this incident, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman instructed Ferdousi Ahmed on Wednesday night regarding her resignation. It was also made clear that if she did not resign within the quickest possible time, the party would take even stricter measures.
In the past, many Members of Parliament in Bangladesh faced similar or even more serious allegations. Yet, those in power never took action against them. Political interests were involved behind this. A culture of denial has long persisted in Bangladeshi politics. There is a false belief that criticizing one’s own party members reduces the government’s acceptance among the public. Thus, the attempt by ruling parties to avoid addressing wrongdoing by their own members has always been detrimental. Even if the ruling parties denied it, the general public knew about their misdeeds, which ultimately harmed the political parties. A perception was created among the people that holding power allowed for corruption, terrorism, and extortion without accountability. This not only harmed the ruling parties but also eroded public trust and faith in politics as a whole. However, no party leader in the past had the courage to undertake a purification drive within their own party, and consequently, people’s negative perception of politics remained unchanged.
Ever since Tarique Rahman became the acting chairman of the BNP, he initiated efforts to change this political culture. Even during the BNP’s difficult times, when party leaders and workers were under immense pressure and subjected to various forms of oppression, he made no compromises on the question of party discipline. Tarique Rahman did not hesitate for a moment to take action against anyone who went against the party’s decisions. After the 2018 elections, the BNP decided that it would no longer participate in any elections under the Awami League government. During this period, heavyweight leaders who participated in local government elections in defiance of the party’s decision were expelled for life.
Following the political upheaval of 2024, some misguided BNP members embarked on paths of terrorism and extortion. However, Tarique Rahman showed them no minimal sympathy. Not an ounce of leniency was extended. Anyone against whom allegations were proven was expelled from the party. Over the past two years, more than a thousand BNP leaders have been expelled on charges of involvement in various criminal activities. Now, by taking action against an MP, Tarique Rahman has proven that he will make no concessions in building the BNP into a clean and transparent political party. This is a groundbreaking step in our politics. Such incidents are rarely seen in Bangladesh. This will serve as a strict warning for party workers and individuals involved in terrorist activities, extortion, and robbery.
This resignation signifies that the government is following a zero-tolerance policy on these issues, and no further excesses will be tolerated. Any transgression will lead to such punitive measures. This strict decision is expected to significantly reduce various misdeeds in the country. It will also empower other political parties to clean up their internal ‘garbage.’ This decision will not only help free Bangladeshi politics from corruption and terrorism but also play a crucial role in building a Bangladesh free from terrorism and corruption.