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Minister Tarique Rahman sat with leaders and activists from across the country.

A dozen ministers, who are also senior BNP leaders, attended the meeting and presented their ministerial activities since taking office.

Party insiders said the meeting was part of a new internal review process through which ministers will brief party leaders and activists every four months on their work, plans, and progress.

A standing committee member said the initiative was aimed at creating a “party parliament” where grassroots leaders would be able to hear directly from ministers and raise questions.

“The prime minister said this will be like a party parliament. As there is accountability in parliament, there should also be accountability among party leaders and activists.”

Twelve ministers, including those from the LGRD, finance, energy, health, and water resources ministries, attended the meeting along with members of the BNP standing committee. Each minister answered questions from party leaders and activists.

At the meeting, Tarique instructed leaders and activists to prepare for the upcoming upazila elections.

He also asked leaders at district, upazila and union levels to improve coordination and strengthen ties among themselves.

Party sources said the BNP national council will be held within this year. Before that, committees of all grassroots units will be formed through elections.

BNP’s affiliated organisations would be reorganised before the national council, expected by December this year, he added.

In his address, Tarique called upon leaders and activists to support the government while maintaining public trust. The government would do its job, while the party would maintain its political relationship with the people.

He also instructed leaders not to depend on government officials and to keep the party’s organisational activities active.

A major focus of the meeting was discipline at the grassroots.

Tarique asked party leaders and activists to remain united, follow organisational rules, and ensure that no one violates discipline.

He also instructed them to play a responsible role in maintaining peace and law and order at the local level.

BNP leadership believes that although the party is now in power, any excess, show of influence, or attempt by leaders and activists to take the law into their own hands could damage the government’s image.