Was it necessary?

The successful holding of BNP's fifth council after a long gap of 16 years is an indication that the second largest political party of Bangladesh has been able to stand straight after its crushing defeat in the last general election. There was some doubt about a trouble free council as the party was almost divided during the rule of the last caretaker government centring the minus two formula and the much talked about call of reforms by the Fakhruddin government. But the happy and successful ending of the council will work as a big relief for BNP workers, supporters as well as for overall political climate of the country.
Holding of council is a democratic exercise for electing the office bearers of a party. But what is seen and understood from this council of BNP? Although it is not known clearly what process was followed to form the districts and Upazila level committees, but nothing really democratic happened in this council where the councillors effectively surrendered their right and empowered the party chairperson by giving her full authority to select the different office bearers, members of the National Executive and Standing committees. Her power was further consolidated by deleting the provision for removal of the BNP chairman, once elected.
The last nail in the coffin of intra-party democracy was put by selecting (electing!) Khaled Zia's son Tarique Zia as a powerful senior vice chairman. It is believed that this was the act of some mid-level enthusiastic party activists in their desperate move to get favour from him. It is an irony of fate of this nation that the very controversial man of the Hawa Bhaban is now in a position of future prime minister. If it were for his leadership quality then no body would say anything. Probably he & his supporters would claim that he is a natural leader but his party and the nation will have to pay dearly for this.