Infighting at New York State BNP Meeting, Calls for Reconstitution of Committee

A workers’ meeting of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in New York descended into heated exchanges and disorder, with participants calling for the dissolution of the existing committee and the formation of a new one.

The incident occurred on Monday (April 20) at the Nabanna Party Center in Jackson Heights, where the New York State BNP organized the meeting. The party’s central International Affairs Secretary, Anwar Hossain Khokon, attended as the chief guest.

During the session, a section of leaders and activists voiced strong allegations against the current committee, which was formed nearly two years ago. They alleged that the committee was constituted through unilateral influence, favoring individuals from a specific region, and was designed to produce a compliant leadership.

Tensions escalated as these allegations triggered a verbal confrontation, which later turned into a commotion. As the situation grew increasingly tense, many participants demanded that the current committee be dissolved and replaced.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized the need for a transparent and democratic process, calling for a new committee to be formed through voting and comprising competent and widely accepted individuals. They warned that otherwise, the party’s activities could be disrupted.

Meanwhile, BNP leader Motahar Hossain sharply criticized the existing committee, stating, “The standard of this committee is extremely poor. Many of its members are unfamiliar to us. It is not feasible to run the New York State BNP effectively with such a committee.”

He further urged that a new committee be formed in consultation with senior leaders, prioritizing those who have demonstrated active involvement in the party’s movements and political activities.