Bangladesh: A new political party in the making?

LATELY, much is being talked about the formation of a new political party in Bangladesh. The newspapers are daily feeding us news about it. The spectacular open revolts by some Awami League and BNP stalwarts in the last few days should be viewed in this context. It would be naive to think that the rebel politicians’ moves are not calculated, and that their sudden discovery of non-existence of democracy within their respective parties has nothing to do with the Law Adviser Barrister Moinul Hossain’s pledge to provide necessary help and cooperation to the honest politicians. He seems to be adamant in his resolve not to go back to the square one with either Awami League or Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) forming the government. If we connect the dots we will find ample evidence to suggest that a new political party is now “under construction”.

But how will this party look like? According to press reports, reformists within AL, BNP, Jatiya Party and some so-called leftist leaders are involved in the process. One of the founders of BNP and its ex-General Secretary Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi is being projected as the possible convenor of this party. Although the name and the constitution of the new party are yet to be finalized, it is likely to be floated immediately after the restrictions on indoor politics are lifted. Previously, Nobel Laureate Dr. Yunus showed his unruly political ambition and announced the name of his political party – the Nagorik Shakti or Citizen’s Power. However, when he saw the response was not so encouraging he withdrew himself from the process. The micro-credit guru must have understood that politics is not a “micro affair” and is not as easy as it seems to be from outside.

It is still premature to say whether the initiative to form a new party will be successful or if it somehow comes into being, whether it would be able to attract the common people and generate enthusiasm. Mr. Qureshi is a renowned journalist, but he lacks both personal charisma and a strong political base with a definite ideology, which are considered assets in politics. In all likelihood, a new party without charismatic leadership will make little difference in the overall political configuration and dynamics of the country. With the same old folks, it is most likely that it would be the proverbial old wine in a new bottle. And of course an odd addition to the existing list of one hundred or so political parties.

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