The reason behind Khaleda Zia’s tears

In the 1980s, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal was vital in opposing autocracy and fueling BNP’s rise to power. Many devoted student leaders sacrificed everything to build the organization, but were expelled without proper inquiry.

During these expulsions, Begum Khaleda Zia tearfully expressed regret, hoping to reinstate them within two months. Yet, an unseen barrier prevented their return, raising the question: Why were such loyal leaders expelled?

The wing led the anti-dictatorship movement in the 1980s. In 1991, BNP, weak organizationally, relied heavily on this wing to win power. Despite lacking offices in many districts, student league activities were strong nationwide. However, many key leaders were later quietly removed.

Initially temporary, expulsions became permanent. Some leaders left politics, went abroad, or stepped away in disappointment, while others still await reinstatement.

The expulsions centered on an incident in November 1990, when six leaders, including senior joint convener Sanaul Haque Niru were expelled without investigation.

Others were ex-Dhaka University Chhatra Dal president Shafiqul Islam Rana Shikdar, central member Mahbub Alam, Shafiqul Rahman Shafik, Fazlul Haque Khondaker Abu Ashfaq, and Dhaka College leader Mir Newaz Ali.

After protests, six more leaders, including former international affairs secretary Golam Faruk Abhi, were expelled.

Begum Khaleda Zia reportedly cried, calling the expelled leaders her own children and expressing hope to bring them back in two months. Babu Goyeshwar Chandra Roy stood with her, but those two months never passed.

The conflict arose from internal rivalries, particularly at Fazlul Haque Hall, Dhaka University. A 1989 student election sparked factional disputes, worsening after a faction leader was shot. In November 1990, a physical clash at a rally injured a leader, and Sanaul Haque Niru was blamed, leading to expulsions.

Among the expelled, Sanaul Haque Niru still seeks reinstatement. His brother and former student league general secretary Mahbubul Haque Bablu died in a bomb blast. Rana Shikdar now lives in Australia, Mahbubul Alam retired to Narayanganj, Shafiqul Rahman runs a business in Thailand, while Abu Ashfaq holds a district BNP post.

Mir Newaz Ali is in BNP’s central committee. Others, like Golam Faruk Abhi joined other parties or live abroad. Some returned to politics; others have left or died.

A senior BNP leader said reformists like Abhi and Niru apologized to Tarique Rahman in London and sought re-entry, subject to conditions such as avoiding damaging social media posts. Tarique Rahman personally oversees this and is willing to offer chances.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, efforts to reinstate them failed. BNP’s acting chairman now seeks to reintegrate them, seeing changed circumstances.

Niru remains politically active in Narshingdi, involved in community work. Though rumors about his return circulate, formal reinstatement is pending, but leadership views him positively.

Golam Faruk Abhi, living in Canada, desires to return to Bangladesh. Despite court orders to return his passport, obstacles persist. Since recent political changes, he has renewed efforts.

Niru claims his expulsion was a misunderstanding lacking due process. He stays in contact with Abhi, sharing political views.

BNP organizer Khondaker Mosharraf Hossain says expelled leaders can return if they acknowledge mistakes, but no decision on Abhi or Niru has been finalized.

This episode reveals deep internal conflicts and the challenges faced by loyal student leaders whose sacrifices remain recognized only in question.

Author: Hasan Mahmud Ripon