BNP high command has hinted at a major reshuffle in the Dhaka Metropolitan North and South committees, as political analysts believe party activities have become somewhat stagnant after the BNP returned to power.
Although the terms of the current committees have not yet expired, intense discussions have begun within the party about forming new leadership, party sources said.
Background of current committees
The existing committees for Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP were announced on July 7, 2024. In the south, Rafiqul Alam Majnu was made convener and Tanvir Ahmed Robin member secretary. In the north, Saiful Alam Nirab was convener and Aminul Haque member secretary.
However, citing organisational disorder, BNP later dissolved the north committee and announced a new one on November 26, 2024, making Aminul Haque convener and Mostafa Zaman member secretary.
Typically, a metropolitan BNP committee has a four-year term, though this often varies depending on the political situation.
In light of upcoming city corporation elections, a strong street presence, and future political strategies, a major reshuffle may come in metropolitan BNP and its associate organisations, party sources said.
Recently, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tareq Rahman exchanged views with nearly 900 top leaders from across the country. Leaders present said he directed that party activities be made more dynamic and indicated new leadership would be brought to various units.
Key criteria for selection
Party leaders said special importance is being given to activism in movements and struggles, organisational skills, sacrifice, and loyalty to the party in selecting leadership. Those who have been active on the streets, followed party discipline, and played a role in implementing central directives are being prioritised.
The ability to deliver speeches in parliament and on the streets, leadership skills, and organisational acceptability are also being considered.
Names under discussion for north unit
Those most discussed for potential leadership in Metropolitan North include current convener Aminul Haque, SM Jahangir Hossain, Mostafa Zaman, Mostafizur Rahman Segun, Anwaruzzaman Anwar, former acting Juba Dal president Mamun Hasan, Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton, and ABM Abdur Razzaq.
A large section of leaders and activists want to keep faith in Aminul Haque for the president position, claiming the organisation has become more organised under his leadership.
SM Jahangir Hossain told TIMES of Bangladesh that BNP always values capable, acceptable, and tested leadership. “A strong team will be formed with those who have been on the streets for a long time and have worked for the organisation,” he said.
Names under discussion for south unit
For the south, potential leaders include current member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, joint convener Litun Mahmud, Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Juba Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna, and Kazi Abul Bashar. The names of Robin and Litun Mahmud are receiving comparatively more attention. South city corporation administrator Abdus Salam is also being strongly discussed.
Tanvir Ahmed Robin told The Times that committee formation is entirely within the purview of party chairman Tarique Rahman. “The party will surely evaluate those who were active in movements and stood by leaders during difficult times,” he said.
National council preparations underway
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told TIMES that the process of reorganising BNP and its associate organisations to make them more effective will begin soon. Preparations are also underway to organise a national council shortly.
Discussions are also ongoing about restructuring Juba Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal committees. Party policymakers believe this will strengthen Dhaka-centric political programmes.
Ultimately, who gets important positions will depend on the final decision of the party’s high command, as these metropolitan committees will bear much responsibility for the upcoming Dhaka north and south city corporation elections.
