The Risk of a Return to Corruption, Militancy, and Terrorism — Is the BNP a Threat to National Security?


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The Risk of a Return to Corruption, Militancy, and Terrorism — Is the BNP a Threat to National Security?

If BNP Returns to Power in 2026 — Will Bangladesh Slide Back Into Corruption, Militancy and Chaos?

A Fact-Based Analysis by Apurbo Ahmed Jewel

 

A close examination of Bangladesh’s political history makes one thing abundantly clear: whenever the BNP has come to power, corruption, instability, radicalism, and political violence have surged.

If they return to power in the 2026 election, Bangladesh is likely to plunge back into that dark and dangerous era—this is not a political slogan, but a conclusion grounded in evidence, reports, international research, and historical experience.

1. BNP as an International ‘Worst Performer’ in Corruption — Reports and Evidence

From 2001–2006, Bangladesh was ranked the most corrupt country in the world for five consecutive years (Corruption Perception Index 2001–2005).

This was not a coincidence; it was the result of an institutionalized culture of corruption within the state.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Reports Noted the Following:

-“Hawa Bhaban became the epicenter of political corruption in Bangladesh.”

-“Policy decisions were influenced by unelected power brokers.”

-“Massive corruption in power, energy, infrastructure and law enforcement sectors.”

These findings are documented in international reports.

Additional documented corruption from that era:

-Mosharraf Hossain (President’s Secretary) and the Golden Gate scandal

-Commission-based corruption in dam, road, and electricity projects

-Enamul Haque’s notorious negotiating tender syndicate

Many of the individuals involved at that time remain influential in BNP’s policymaking circles today.

Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that corruption under a future BNP government could surpass even the 2001–2006 period.

2. Terrorism and Militancy — BNP’s Tenure Was the Most Dangerous Era

Between 2001 and 2006, militancy spread nationwide, pushing Bangladesh into international scrutiny.

On 17 August 2005:

-More than 450 bombs exploded in 63 districts

-It became one of the most widespread coordinated terror attacks in global history

International journalists wrote:

“This level of coordination cannot happen without severe intelligence failures or political negligence.” — The New York Times, 2005

Rise of JMB leaders Shaykh Abdur Rahman and Siddiqul Islam (Bangla Bhai)

Their emergence raised serious questions regarding administrative silence.

Evidence includes:

-BBC reported that local administration “assisted” Bangla Bhai

-Human Rights Watch stated:

Government response to rising militancy was delayed and inadequate.”

Given this history, national security would face serious risks if BNP returns to power.

3. Political Instability, Blockades and Violence — Economic Devastation

BNP’s political identity has long been associated with confrontation and destructive protest politics.

During the 2013–2015 blockade and hartal campaign:

– 173 people were killed

-3,000+ vehicles were burned

-Economic losses exceeded 1,200 crore taka (BIDS Report)

-Schools and colleges were closed

-National transportation collapsed

International media described this period as:

“One of the most violent political periods in Bangladesh’s history.”

A party that burned people alive in opposition raises obvious concerns about law and order if it assumes power again.

4. Collapse of State Institutions — Administrative Breakdown

A major problem with BNP’s political approach is its lack of institutional trust. BNP has historically:

 

-Viewed the military with suspicion

-Targeted the police for political retaliation

-Pressured the judiciary

-Politicized intelligence agencies

 

According to a report by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS):

“BNP lacks structural preparedness to run a modern state machinery.”

This means state operations could become dysfunctional under BNP rule—directly harming national stability.

 

5. Economic Risks — Investment Freeze and Development Backslide

Why would the economy suffer under BNP?

1. Business community distrusts BNP

A 2020 FBCCI survey found that 72% of business leaders said:

“BNP in power would increase political uncertainty.”

2. International donors view BNP–Jamaat rule as unstable

JICA and ADB analyses of 2001–2006 found:

-Project implementation slowed

-Extortion increased

-State-owned enterprises suffered losses

If this repeats, foreign direct investment (FDI) could drop by half, posing a grave economic threat.

 

6. Rise of Fundamentalist Forces — A Threat to Secular and Modern Bangladesh

A Stanford University research unit on religious politics noted:

“BNP has historically aligned with Islamist political forces for electoral benefits.”

If BNP returns to power, Islamist groups would regain influence.

This would lead to:

-Shrinking space for freedom of expression

-Increased risk of attacks on minorities

-Threats to bloggers, writers, and journalists

-Setbacks for women’s rights

Such developments would undermine Bangladesh’s progress toward becoming a modern, inclusive state.

Conclusion: A BNP Victory in 2026 Would Be a Direct National Threat

Based on facts, reports, historical governance patterns, and international assessments, one conclusion stands out clearly:

A BNP government would bring increased corruption, rising militancy, political instability, economic damage, and administrative paralysis.

Bangladesh has reached a stage of stability, development, and security— but BNP could reverse these gains within just a few years.

That is the real and immediate danger.