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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has warned that failure to control land grabbing and extortion by members and activists of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could become an “ominous sign” for the government and the party.
In a statement on Sunday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman expressed concern over recent incidents involving alleged looting, vandalism and occupation of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, a clash between two BNP factions over control of a waterbody in Kishoreganj, and vandalism at a content creator’s office.
He said the incidents were not isolated but part of a pattern that had continued since the political change in August 2024.
According to TIB, allegations of extortion, land grabbing and attempts to establish political dominance have emerged in different parts of the country, involving bus terminals, footpaths, markets, waterbodies, sand quarries, local bazaars, cable and internet services and waste collection businesses.
Iftekharuzzaman said such activities had also led to internal conflicts and violence among party factions.
He urged the BNP to take effective organisational measures and launch a nationwide “self-purification” drive to address allegations involving its leaders and activists.
TIB also said that although the party had taken some organisational measures, including expulsions, stronger preventive action was still lacking.
It called on the authorities to properly investigate each incident and ensure exemplary punishment for those found responsible.
Source: TIB statement, Sept 27, 2026.
