Millions of people across different parts of the country have been affected by the ongoing devastating floods. Flood victims are enduring severe shortages of shelter, food, and clean drinking water, forcing many to live in extremely difficult conditions. Amid this humanitarian crisis, allegations have emerged that Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, as well as the party’s senior and grassroots leaders and activists, have not played any significant role or carried out visible relief activities in the affected areas.
According to some local residents and other concerned individuals, since the floods intensified, there has been little visible evidence of large-scale rescue operations or relief distribution organized by the party in the worst-hit districts. The issue has also sparked criticism and frustration in social and political circles.
Flood victims have alleged that, at a time when political parties are needed most to stand beside the affected population, BNP leaders, activists, and affiliated organizations have been largely absent on the ground. In several areas, local residents expressed their frustration, saying, “During elections, political leaders frequently visit us, but now that we have lost our homes and livelihoods, no one is standing by us.”
Political analysts say that supporting people during major natural disasters is a moral responsibility for all political parties. Although Tarique Rahman, who is based in London, has reportedly expressed concern about the floods through social media posts and public statements, analysts argue that this has been reflected only minimally in field-level activities. They suggest that the party’s perceived inactivity could further deepen its disconnect from the public.
However, when contacted regarding these allegations, several local and central BNP leaders said that the party has been doing its best to monitor the situation of flood victims. They claimed that adverse conditions and a lack of government coordination have hindered many of their relief efforts.
Meanwhile, members of the public and civil society have called on Tarique Rahman, the BNP, and all political and social organizations to set aside political differences and immediately come forward to assist those affected by the floods.