SAJJAD HOSSAIN

The ruling BNP is planning to restore its chain of command, discipline leaders and activists, and stregthen its organisational structure amid concerns that unruly behaviour by some party members could damage the government’s public image.

As part of this effort, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to meet with grassroots leaders in the second week of this month to provide them with direct instructions on party discipline and organisational activities.

This will be Tarique’s first such meeting with grassroots leaders after becoming the prime minister.

BNP policymakers said the party leadership has become concerned over discourteous behaviour by some leaders and activists with the public, local-level infighting, weak coordination and allegations of links with criminal elements.

“We are planning to hold a meeting with leaders of all district units, where our leader Tarique Rahman will give them necessary directives on strengthening organisational activities and maintaining party discipline,” said Syed Emran Saleh Prince, joint secretary general of BNP.

Presidents, general secretaries, conveners and member secretaries of 82 organisational districts are expected to attend the meeting, according to party sources.

Grassroots leaders may also be asked to share their views on the party, the government’s performance, local problems, internal disputes and organisational weaknesses in their areas.

Two senior ministers, who are also BNP policymakers, told this newspaper that they would soon sit with Tarique to discuss the party’s next course of action.

They said the party chief wants to hear from both central and grassroots leaders before taking major BNP

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