In the wake of proven, specific allegations of continuous extortion and the barbaric and despicable demolition of the "Radda Health Center" in the capital's Shah Ali area of Mirpur, the BNP has taken an unprecedented and firm stance. To address breaches of party discipline and avert public outrage, the party has simultaneously dissolved key and primary core units, including the Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP, Dhaka Metropolitan North Jatiyatabadi Jubadal, and Dhaka Metropolitan West Chhatra Dal. Concurrently, at least 10 influential leaders at various levels from the Mirpur and Mohammadpur areas have been expelled from the party, sparking intense discussions across the political arena.

Abuse of Power and Criminal Involvement: The Underlying Causes

According to analysts, the reckless extortion and land-grabbing by certain overzealous party activists in recent times have called into question the BNP's long-standing political achievements. Notably:

• Vandalism of Radda Health Center: CCTV footage showing the direct presence and participation of multiple local leaders from the BNP, Jubadal, and Chhatra Dal of Shah Ali Thana and ward levels in Mirpur in the vandalism generated severe criticism nationwide. • Involvement of Reserved Seat MP's Followers: Serious allegations arose that followers of Ferdousi Ahmed Misty, Joint Convener of Dhaka Metropolitan North and Member of Parliament for a reserved women's seat, were involved in this destructive incident, creating extreme discontent within the party. • Police Inaction and a Leader's Role: Surprisingly, Sajjadul Meraj, Member Secretary of the dissolved Dhaka Metropolitan North Jubadal committee, unmasked the mysterious inaction of the police by trying to prevent this despicable incident and informing the local Thana Officer-in-Charge (OC) and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Mirpur zone, revealing a realistic picture of internal feuds and administrative apathy.

Strict Organizational Action and List of Expellees

Under the directives of the party high command, unprecedented disciplinary measures were announced in separate press releases sent to the media on Wednesday night: • Expelled from the BNP: Khalil Chowdhury, Joint Convener of Shah Ali Thana BNP; Anwar Hossain, General Secretary of the C-Block Unit; and Hafizur Rahman Shubhra, Member of Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP, have been permanently expelled from all posts, including primary membership, on charges of unethical activities and anti-organizational conduct. • Expulsions from Jubadal and Swechchhasebak Dal: Nur Alam, Sajjadur Rahman Mishu, Md. Sohel, Kabir Hossain, and Akbar Hossain, former joint conveners/leaders of Shah Ali Thana Jubadal, have been expelled. In addition, Aktar, Convener of Darus Salam Thana Swechchhasebak Dal, and Member Secretary Hafizur Rahman have also faced the axe of expulsion. • Dissolution of Committees: The 51-member Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP committee led by Md. Aminul Haque (currently State Minister for Youth and Sports) and Mostafa Zaman, the expired committee of Northern Jubadal, and the partial committee of Metropolitan West Chhatra Dal have been completely dissolved.

Political Future and Future Message Through this sudden and stern step, the top leadership of the BNP has sought to send a clear message that if any activist, blinded by the allure of power, violates party discipline or oppresses the people, no leniency will be shown, regardless of holding state power or a party position. How effective this zero-tolerance policy against criminals will prove in restoring the party's image remains to be seen.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla