During a Sylhet ward BNP meeting, the meeting’s main speaker is Abdul Qayyum Jalali, also known as Panki, who is the metropolitan BNP organizer. On Monday in the afternoon.| Photo: Prothom Alo

Sylhet, October 24, 2022 –

Abdul Qayyum Jalali, the convener of the Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, depicted a bleak picture of Bangladesh’s current situation, attributing the nation’s challenges to widespread corruption and unrestrained looting by the ruling Awami League government.

His remarks, delivered at a political gathering, echoed the growing frustrations of many citizens who are grappling with economic stagnation and fears of a looming famine. 

Jalali spoke as the chief guest at the biennial conference and council of Ward No. 9 BNP, held at a community center in Sylhet’s Pathantula area.

Addressing party members and supporters on Monday afternoon, he asserted that the government’s failures have plunged the country into an unprecedented crisis.

He asserted that the severe shortages of electricity and gas, dwindling reserves, and escalating fears of food insecurity have paralyzed the country’s economy.

BNP leaders attended the conference in large numbers, with Kamruzzaman, joint convener of the Metropolitan Volunteer Party, moderating and Ward BNP convener Abul Hossain chairing.

Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Miftah Siddiqui served as the keynote speaker, urging party members to unite against the current administration’s policies.

Several prominent BNP leaders took to the stage to address the gathering, including former Metropolitan BNP President Nasim Hossain and former General Secretary Badruzzaman Selim.

District BNP leader Faisal Ahmed Chowdhury, along with Metropolitan BNP Joint Conveners Humayun Kabir Shahin, Farhad Chowdhury Shamim, Rezaul Hasan Qays Lodi, and Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, also lent their voices to the discussions.

Members of the Metropolitan BNP Convening Committee, including Ziaul Haque, Amir Hossain and Mahbub Qadir Shahi, were present, further underscoring the event’s significance.

In his speech, Jalali stressed the need for immediate action to steer the country away from what he described as an “economic abyss.”

He claimed that the government’s mismanagement has not only eroded public trust but also crippled vital sectors, leaving the nation vulnerable to external and internal crises.

The event concluded with a pivotal voting session, during which Ward No. 9 BNP formed its new committee.

The committee elected Amir Hossain as president, Rubel Baksh as general secretary, and Soyful Alam as organizing secretary.

Ward No. 8 BNP convening committee member Chanaul Haque delivered a welcoming speech, lauding the efforts of grassroots party members in mobilizing against the challenges posed by the current regime.

A Broader Perspective 

Deep-seated tensions between the ruling Awami League and opposition parties like the BNP were reflected in the political climate of Bangladesh in late 2022.

Global inflationary pressures and rising energy prices exacerbated the economic crisis.

Widespread power outages, dwindling foreign reserves, and soaring prices of essentials had left many questioning the government’s ability to manage the situation effectively.

Critics of the Awami League pointed to allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency as key factors behind the nation’s woes.

Meanwhile, opposition parties like the BNP sought to channel public discontent into a movement demanding accountability and reforms.

In his closing remarks, Jalali called for unity within the BNP and urged citizens to stand against what he described as “years of misrule.”

As political tensions rose, Bangladesh faced an uncertain future, with its people bearing the brunt of both economic and political instability.