The ordinary people are disappointed with the program BNP announced in the anti-government movement. There is a sense of frustration within the party as well. Activities such as distributing leaflets, black flag processions, home discussion meetings, seminars, and day-based rule-keeping programmes in districts and metropolises are not gaining favourable responses from the general public. Party leaders and members also believe this type of activism cannot shake the government.

Analysts believe that the organisational foundation of the Awami League has significantly weakened following the election. The controversial dummy elections have left Hasina's government in a precarious state, facing diplomatic and economic challenges. Consequently, if the opposition party fails to forge a robust resistance or movement promptly, the Awami League government may swiftly consolidate its position. This could compel the public to consent to the government's missteps, potentially losing support for opposition political parties, including the BNP, as activists begin to disengage. Conversations with ordinary citizens also reflect a similar sentiment.

Nadeem Sahib, a businessman at Jahura Square Market in the Banglamotor area of the capital, is well-versed in politics. Having been actively involved in politics during his student days at Dhaka University as a dedicated worker of Chhatra League, he observes that the Awami League's democratic principles have transformed over its prolonged tenure. Nadeem Sahib remarked that the party's connection with the ordinary people has dwindled. Despite substantial public support, he expressed that the opposition has yet to capitalise on this shift. Nadeem Sahib believes that opposition parties, including BNP, face setbacks primarily due to the nature of their programmes. He emphasised that a light programme is insufficient to weaken the Awami League, and, in his view, BNP should swiftly enter the arena with a robust programme without further delay.

Azgar Ali Chowdhury, a Gulshan Road No. 6 resident, echoed similar sentiments. As a professional construction contractor, Azgar Ali expressed his concern that BNP has veered off the path of the movement by increasingly relying on foreign support. He questioned whether foreign allies would be instrumental in bringing them to power, emphasising on the unlikelihood of developed countries prioritising BNP over their interests. Azgar Ali suggested that while foreign support can create a particular situation, it is ultimately up to the BNP to take decisive actions. He characterised the current state as resembling an autocratic government. Despite having ample public support to combat dictatorship, Azgar Ali criticised the BNP for abruptly withdrawing from the movement arena under the guise of a strategic shift. He predicted that the government's oppressive tactics would silence the people, with tremendous casualties being BNP leaders and activists who may face imprisonment and activists manoeuvring away from the party.

He believes the BNP is being restrained from adopting vital programmes due to various strategies, raising suspicions that a faction within the party may collaborate with the government and India. While there are moderate elements within BNP engaging in some programmes, such as rallies with sizable crowds of 5 to 7 lakh people, they seem unable to demonstrate the strength necessary for a transformative impact. Azgar Ali suggests that both Awami League and India intentionally maintain the BNP in a weakened state. This, he argues, benefits the Awami League while preventing the BNP from gaining the strength needed for a power shift. On the other hand, due to BNP's mild political activity, any alternative force could hardly emerge.  

Saiful Haque, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Revolutionary Works Party and a prominent leader of Gonotontro Mancha, shared with Bangla Outlook that, in the 53-year history of Bangladesh, there has never been such widespread support for any anti-government movement. However, he expressed concern about the apparent weakness of the leading contemporary political party, BNP, in formulating an effective strategy for the movement. Saiful Haque mentioned that he and the public anticipated introducing more rigorous programmes after January 7, but such measures were not implemented. This lack of decisive action has led to frustration among the workers of protesting parties, including BNP, and disappointment among the general public. Saiful Haque noted that conventional methods like leaflet distribution, black flag marches, or day-based programmes may not be sufficient to alleviate the concerns and discontent of the people.

He conveyed that the BNP may not have a similar opportunity in the future, emphasising that while foreigners can set the stage, the BNP must take decisive actions. Despite the current challenges, he remains optimistic. He believes BNP will enhance its programmes by considering the realities, aspirations, and expectations of the general public and party workers.

Saiful Haque highlighted that even before January 7, the party had mobilised five to seven lakh leaders and workers from across the country to Dhaka on two occasions, but the outcomes were disappointing. He expressed concern that when an individual's morale is shattered, the restoration process is time-consuming, and the situation becomes irreversible in many cases.

A responsible leader of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Swechhasebak Dal stated, "The general public successfully participated in the January 7 boycott program. However, many party leaders refrained from actively engaging in the field. The situation in Dhaka, in particular, was the most pathetic."

In attributing the current situation, he has consistently blamed the affiliates and member organisations for not having fully established branch committees and failing to assess individuals based on merit.

He expressed concern, "If we fail to sustain the public support BNP has garnered in this movement, even our prominent leaders may face an exit from politics." Using his circumstances as an illustration, he revealed, "Currently, I am involved in 178 ongoing legal cases. A conviction in just 10 of these cases could result in a life sentence. If the movement does not gain momentum soon, it could mark the end of two generations of our political, social, family, and economic careers. Ultimately, BNP would bear the brunt of these consequences."

BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman stated, "There is no need for disappointment. We have held a standing committee meeting and also engaged in discussions with the parties involved in the movement. We are aware of our supporters' frustrations and have addressed these concerns. Robust programs are in the pipeline, and we are confident we will emerge victorious."

Responding to whether BNP uses BNP's terms 'fast' and 'strong' as mere rhetoric, he said, "We have acknowledged our weaknesses. Yes, we are currently facing challenges."

Junaid Saki, the chief coordinator of the Gonosanghati Samity, informed Bangla Outlook that various aspects, including the movement's weaknesses and the frustrations of leaders and workers from parties participating in the concurrent movement, including BNP, were thoroughly discussed in their liaison committee meeting. He mentioned they had communicated these issues to BNP's Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman. Saki expressed optimism, stating that necessary measures are being identified and implemented to rejuvenate the movement and transform it into a mass movement involving the people.

Saki mentioned that while public support for the movement exists, political parties must actively engage in the field. He emphasised on the importance of entering the field properly rather than chaotically, acknowledging that this process might take some time. Despite the challenges, he reassured me there was no need for despair.