Special Interview with Ishtiaq Ahmed Muktar Trinamool BNP: The Real Picture of the Organization and Future Challenges

Youth Leader Ishtiaq Ahmed Muktar

Special Interview with Ishtiaq Ahmed Muktar, Ward 49, Dhaka Metropolitan South, Bangladesh Nationalist Youth Dal:

Ishtiaq Ahmed Muktar, Ward 49, Dhaka Metropolitan South, Bangladesh Nationalist Youth Dal, has been involved in BNP politics at the grassroots level for a long time. He spoke openly about the current status of the party, the real picture of the grassroots and future challenges. The main part of the interview is highlighted below—

???? Opening Questions (Introduction and Role)

Question: First of all, I would like to know, in which ward and unit are you currently in charge?

Answer: I am currently serving as the president of Ward No. 49 of Dhaka Metropolitan South of Bangladesh Nationalist Youth Dal.

Question: How many years have you been associated with BNP politics, and how did you come to this organization?

Answer: I have been inspired by the ideology of BNP since my student days. It started with Chhatra Dal, and later I took direct part in the main political activities through Jubo Dal.

???? Current picture of the grassroots organization

Question: How would you assess the current organizational status of BNP at the ward level?

Answer: Despite many obstacles, lawsuits and attacks, the grassroots organization is still active. Our leaders and activists are steadfast in the party ideology. However, due to the political situation, it is not possible to run the organization's activities completely normally.

Question: Where there were active unit committees in each area before, is there that continuity now?

Answer: Although there is not as strong continuity as before, we are trying to reorganize the units. Those who were inactive once are also gradually returning. The process of involving the new generation is also underway.

Question: Many party leaders and activists have been forced to leave the area due to lawsuits and attacks — how much do you think the grassroots structure has been weakened by this?

Answer: This is a big problem. Many skilled and experienced leaders and activists have been forced to leave the area, which has affected the grassroots structure. Still, we are trying to maintain the structure through their family members and young workers.

???? Future thoughts and optimism

Question: Do you see BNP-friendly thinking among the current generation?

Answer: Of course. There is still an attraction to patriotism and democracy among the youth. They want change, want democratic values — and that is where the role of BNP and Jubo Dal is important.

Question: What message do you want to give to the central leadership to strengthen the grassroots?

Answer: I would say — have faith in the grassroots leaders and activists. If you stand by them, the organization will be stronger. Those working in the field need incentives and proper guidance to boost their morale.

???? Conclusion

Question: Briefly, if you could say one thing in front of the central leaders — what would it be?

Answer: I would say — “The grassroots are the lifeblood of the party. If you want to strengthen this grassroots, listen to their voice, respect them, cooperate with them. Only then will BNP become a symbol of people’s trust again.”

Note: The Paltan Logi Baitha riots on October 28 have left a deep mark on his heart.

Interviewed by: Journalist Kamrul Hasan

Location: Dhaka

Photo: Collected