With Hasina gone, BNP is torn by internal clashes
BNP Faces Growing Internal Conflict: The Tragic Case of Lablu Mia
On April 5, 2025, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was shaken by a tragic incident that once again highlighted the deepening internal conflict within the party. Lablu Mia, a respected 50-year-old local leader from Badarganj upazila in Rangpur district, became the victim of a violent attack during a clash between rival BNP factions. The clash occurred near the Shaheed Minar in the center of the upazila. Mia, a dedicated party activist, was stabbed repeatedly during the altercation and succumbed to his injuries.
This event adds to the growing wave of factional violence that has been tearing apart the BNP in recent months. Once a party that was a dominant force in Bangladesh’s political landscape, the BNP is now struggling with internal divisions, personal rivalries, and growing frustration among its supporters.
The Decline of the BNP and the Rise of Factionalism
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has witnessed a significant decline in influence over the past decade. While the Awami League has held the reins of power under Sheikh Hasina, the BNP’s fortunes have dwindled. This decline is not only the result of political missteps but also internal chaos that has left the party in a state of disarray.
In recent years, factions within the BNP have fought bitterly for dominance, each group seeking to control the party’s direction. Instead of focusing on rebuilding and providing an alternative vision for Bangladesh, these factions have become consumed by infighting and power struggles. The party has failed to address these issues effectively, which has weakened its political standing.
For years, the BNP has also struggled with leadership crises. The absence of a clear, unifying figure has plunged the party into confusion, with rival factions fighting to claim leadership. As a result, internal instability has continued to worsen, and members have been more focused on gaining power than on working for the greater good of the nation.
Lablu Mia’s Death: The Latest Casualty of Internal Factionalism
Lablu Mia’s death is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing trend within the BNP, where factional clashes have become increasingly violent. Mia, known for his devotion to the BNP and his activism, found himself at the center of a power struggle between two factions of the party in Badarganj. The altercation, which erupted over control of a business near the Shaheed Minar, turned deadly, and Mia was stabbed multiple times.
Despite his dedication, Mia’s loyalty to the party was unable to protect him from the violence and chaos that now plague the BNP. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous path the BNP has taken. In a party that once commanded respect and admiration, internal violence and extortion have become widespread.
The BNP’s Struggle to Unite
The leadership of the BNP has repeatedly called for unity within the party, yet these calls have largely fallen on deaf ears. The growing factionalism has made it difficult for the party to regain its footing and offer a viable alternative to the ruling Awami League.
Rather than addressing critical issues, such as economic reforms and national security, the BNP has become embroiled in personal power struggles. This disunity has weakened the party and alienated many of its supporters, who once believed in the party’s ability to offer change and challenge the ruling government.
The leadership has also failed to impose meaningful consequences on members who engage in violence and extortion. Despite warnings, these issues have continued to worsen, and rival factions have gained more influence within the party. The result has been a deepening crisis that leaves the BNP in a vulnerable position both politically and socially.
Political Ramifications for Bangladesh
The BNP’s internal strife has serious implications for the political future of Bangladesh. As the opposition party, the BNP is essential for maintaining a healthy democratic system. However, its inability to unite and address internal conflict leaves the nation with limited options for political opposition. Without a strong opposition, the ruling Awami League will face little challenge in maintaining its dominance.
The current state of factionalism within the BNP is damaging not only to the party but to Bangladesh’s democratic system as a whole. In the absence of a credible opposition, the political process risks becoming lopsided and less inclusive, leaving many citizens without a voice. Mia’s death represents the tragic consequence of a broken system, one that fails to resolve internal conflicts and prioritize the interests of the people over personal ambition.
The Need for Change: Can the BNP Survive?
The BNP faces a critical crossroads. To survive and remain relevant, the party must resolve its internal conflicts and unite under a single vision. This will require strong leadership, accountability, and a commitment to fairness within the ranks. It will also require a fundamental shift away from violence and extortion and a return to the party’s core principles of justice, equality, and democratic governance.
If the BNP continues on its current path of disunity and violence, it risks losing any remaining influence in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The party’s legacy and future depend on its ability to rebuild and unite, starting with addressing the factional violence that has plagued it for so long.
Conclusion: A Broken Party in Need of Reform
Lablu Mia’s tragic death is a wake-up call for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. As factional violence tears the party apart, the BNP must take a hard look at its future. Internal divisions have become a significant threat to its survival, and real leadership will be required to resolve the crisis within.
If the BNP is to reclaim its position as a strong political force in Bangladesh, it must address its internal issues and rebuild from the ground up. Unity, transparency, and commitment to the party’s ideals are essential for its survival. Without these changes, the party risks fading into irrelevance, unable to offer the hope it once did to the people of Bangladesh.
