Popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar shared a candid and critical reflection on the current state of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) through a Facebook post on Monday (May 26). In his post, he discussed the party’s historic decisions, past achievements, current political stagnation, and the urgent need to reconnect with the younger generation.
Asif began by recalling BNP’s decision to boycott the controversial 1986 elections under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. He wrote, “Under her political foresight, BNP rejected a conspiracy-ridden election. At the time, the united opposition had pledged that anyone participating in the election would be considered a traitor to the nation.”
He pointed to the 1991 general elections as a turning point when BNP, after a long struggle, won 140 seats under a neutral caretaker government and formed the government. “Back then, Sheikh Hasina boldly predicted that BNP wouldn’t win more than 10 seats,” he reminded readers.
Sharing his personal experience, Asif noted, “I had the opportunity to be involved in politics alongside Begum Khaleda Zia. I never saw arrogance in her—only confidence. After the martyrdom of President Ziaur Rahman, when the party was in turmoil, she courageously moved forward with young leadership.”
However, Asif expressed concern about BNP’s current trajectory. “A significant section of the party seems trapped in an arrogance similar to Hasina’s style,” he wrote. “They’re failing to understand the mindset of nearly 40 million voters under the age of 35. Instead of meaningful engagement, the focus has shifted to ‘show-down’ politics.”
He urged BNP to reflect on its past and prepare realistically for the future. “The 1991 victory holds lessons. In politics, the chessboard can change at any moment. Overconfidence may bring temporary success, but it causes long-term damage,” he warned.
Concluding his post, Asif reaffirmed his ideological stance: “May Bangladeshi nationalism live forever. Endless love…”
