Gradually the BNP is becoming intellectual-empty. Those who were patrons of the party when they were in power in the past are now 'called but many do not come'. BNP leaders and workers are disappointed to see famine of intellectuals in the party in movements, struggles, processions, meetings and seminars.
Observations revealed that the BNP intellectuals were led by the former vice chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Emajuddin Ahmed, former chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Professor M. Asaduzzaman and journalist Mahfuzullah. All three are now deceased. The BNP, the largest party in power for many years, could not find anyone to fill their void. On the contrary, many do not respond to the call for various programs on behalf of the powerless BNP.
Multiple BNP sources told Barta24.com that the number of intellectuals and professionals patronized by the BNP is not small. During its tenure in power, many people were appointed to important positions in the Public Service Commission, UGC and various universities, including ambassadors. Among them are Dhaka University Professor Anwarullah Chowdhury, SMA Fayez, Yusuf Sharif, Moslehuddin Tarek, Khalilur Rahman. Jasimuddin Ahmed, Khandaker Mustahidur Rahman, Tareq Shamsur Rehman and Abdul Latif Masum of Jahangirnagar University were appointed to different posts. Muhammad Shamsuddin, Hasan Muhammad and Siddique Ahmed Chowdhury of Chittagong University were vocal during the BNP rule.
Sources said there are many more on the list. But they are not vocal in party politics and programs. Many do not want to come or avoid.
Asked why this is happening, several top BNP leaders told Barta24.com on condition of anonymity, "Intellectual leaders have not been able to create their successors. In addition, many were recruited in exchange for kinship, regionalism and money who do not appear to be in danger of the party because they have no political commitment.
However, a responsible source of the BNP denied this statement and told Barta24.com, "Not many people are working domestically for strategic reasons. Making party leaflets and taking part in various researches. Everyone will come on the field in time.
However, whatever the situation, frustration is prevailing among the party workers and supporters as they do not see anyone as the face of the BNP intellectuals.