Differences of opinion, competition for leadership and factionalism are not new in politics. In a major political party, the presence of different viewpoints and leadership groups can sometimes contribute to organisational strength and political mobilisation. However, when such competition turns into personal hostility, mudslinging, social-media attacks or confrontation, it can become damaging to the party and its organisational cohesion.
In this context, the political relationship between former Dhaka mayor and BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka and senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas can be regarded as a significant example from the political history of Dhaka.
In the early 2000s, both leaders had considerable political influence in Dhaka and maintained strong networks of supporters. On one side was Sadeque Hossain Khoka, a former mayor of Dhaka and an influential BNP leader; on the other was Mirza Abbas, another prominent leader of the party. Their political competition and factional alignment were clearly visible. Questions about who wielded greater influence and whose organisational base was stronger were frequently discussed in political circles.
Yet, despite their rivalry, many of their contemporaries have described a political culture in which mutual respect and basic courtesy were often maintained.
At various political and social programmes in Dhaka, competition between the supporters of the two leaders could be seen through slogans, organisational mobilisation and political positioning. However, such competition did not always develop into personal hostility. While both camps sought to demonstrate their organisational strength at political programmes, there were also efforts to preserve personal relations and political courtesy.
The loyalty of grassroots activists to their respective leaders was also clearly visible. Some identified themselves as supporters of “Khoka Bhai,” while others were known as followers of “Abbas Bhai.” These separate political networks did not necessarily weaken political mobilisation. In many instances, they contributed to greater activity and participation at the grassroots level.
Another notable aspect of their political relationship was mutual recognition. When Mirza Abbas assumed an important organisational responsibility in Dhaka, Khoka reportedly congratulated him. Such gestures were viewed as examples of political courtesy between two leaders who were otherwise competing for influence.
Their relationship also demonstrated that political rivalry and personal respect can coexist. Although they represented different political camps within the party, their relationship was not defined solely by competition. The mutual respect they maintained at the personal level remains one of the more memorable aspects of their political careers.
The human dimension of their relationship became particularly visible during the final chapter of Khoka’s life. While Khoka was undergoing treatment in New York and reports emerged about the deterioration of his health, Mirza Abbas expressed deep emotion over his condition. His reaction was widely discussed as an indication that years of political rivalry had not completely erased the personal bond between two long-time political colleagues.
Their story suggests that political competition does not necessarily have to eliminate personal relationships or human compassion.
The political environment today, however, is significantly shaped by social media, which has become an important platform for political communication. Political disagreements are often expressed through personal attacks, offensive remarks and hostile exchanges online. Disputes over positions, leadership and organisational influence can sometimes escalate into confrontation and even violence.
Such developments can weaken organisational discipline and damage the public image of political parties. They can also create the impression that political competition is primarily about personal rivalry rather than differences in political ideas, strategy or organisational priorities.
The political chapter of Khoka and Abbas, therefore, is not merely an example of factionalism. It can also be viewed as an example of how political competition can coexist with courtesy, mutual recognition and personal respect.
Leadership competition is inevitable. Political differences will remain, and calculations of influence and organisational power will always be part of politics. But the challenge for political leaders is to ensure that such competition does not descend into personal hostility.
The ability to respect a political rival, exercise self-restraint and maintain civility is an important part of political leadership. Holding a position or commanding a large following alone does not necessarily define a leader. Leadership also requires maturity, tolerance, dignity and an understanding of political culture.
The political relationship between Sadeque Hossain Khoka and Mirza Abbas offers a reminder of that principle. Political factions may exist, competition may be intense and differences may be substantial—but political courtesy, mutual respect and human dignity should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of organisational or personal influence.