BNP will take part in the upcoming 13th national election under the joint leadership of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Khaleda Zia, though unable to lead directly in the field due to illness, is guiding the party in policy-making, said party sources adding that she may give virtual speeches during some election campaigns.
Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is leading the party from the grassroots to the highest level from abroad. BNP leaders say he will return to the country soon to lead the election campaign, but no date has been confirmed.
Some believe he may come back after the election schedule is announced, while others think BNP might celebrate National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7 in large extend in his presence.
BNP leaders, however, say Tarique Rahman is not returning to the country because of security concerns.
Experts argue that keeping Tarique Rahman out of the country can be a political ploy by BNP.
Meanwhile, under Tarique Rahman's leadership, potential BNP candidates are already active in their constituencies. They are strengthening organizational activities, continuing mass outreach, and working under BNP's 31-point campaign to repair the state structure.
Tarique is personally speaking to leaders in areas where multiple candidates are aspirants for one constitution.
BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan told the Daily Observer, "Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we have prepared for the election at the field level. Under the joint leadership of him and our Chairperson Khaleda Zia, we will take part in the next election."
Party sources also confirm that Khaleda Zia plays a key role in major political decisions, such as forming election alliances or deciding on seat-sharing with the political parties take part at the anti fascist movement, choosing candidates for important constituencies and maintaining relations with the Interim Government and the new political party NCP.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed told the Daily Observer, "Khaleda Zia is not only the leader of BNP but also a symbol of national unity. She has called upon the people of Bangladesh to ensure the next election is held smoothly."
"Although she cannot be active in the field level politics, we follow her decisions in all important policy matters," said Salahuddin.
BNP believes the upcoming election will be very challenging in the current situation. Tarique Rahman has warned party forums about this several times, asking leaders and activists to remain alert. He has also urged them to win people's support by helping them through positive activities.
To maintain its image, BNP has expelled or punished thousands of leaders and activists from the party and its affiliated organizations for wrongdoing and violating discipline after August 5.
Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman, Department of Political Science of University of Dhaka told the Daily Observer, "Every political party has its own structure where the party chairman, vice-chairman and standing committee members play important roles. In BNP's case, only the vice-chairman is abroad, and he is leading the party from there."
"In this condition raising questions about his absence is unnecessary since Khaleda Zia and other standing committee members are active in the country," he said.
Mahbobor said, "A group raising such question only being to make BNP controversial."
