Following its landslide victory in the 12 February general election, BNP finds itself in a paradoxical state of administrative power but organisational fragility.
Despite holding the reins of government, the party’s internal structure has been described as “haphazard,” with stagnation creeping through various district and upazila units.
In response, Party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has launched an ambitious initiative to overhaul the party’s machinery.
This comprehensive restructuring aims to transform the BNP into a dynamic, long-term political force, moving away from the ad hoc arrangements that characterised its decades in opposition.
The cornerstone of this revival is the National Council session scheduled for this December, the first such meeting in ten years since the 6th National Council session in 2016.
Under the party constitution, this council serves as the legitimate vehicle for electing central leadership and defining political strategy for the coming decade.
Party chairman Tarique Rahman has already issued directives to Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior figures to ensure the party is organisationally “battle-ready” at the field level before the upcoming local government elections. Prospective candidates for various vacant posts are already being vetted through their performance in important field assignments across the country.
The BNP plans to use the upcoming council to fill key vacancies, fortify its policy-making framework, and define its long-term political strategy. This restructuring is expected to shape the party’s leadership hierarchy for the next decade. In anticipation of this year’s council, potential candidates for vacant positions have already been assigned significant organisational tasks nationwide to test their leadership at the field level.
Changes in key positions likely
Significant changes are expected within the BNP’s highest echelons, including the National Standing Committee, the Vice Chairmanship, and the Advisory Council.
The high command is reportedly prioritising leaders who remained active during years of political struggle and maintained close ties with the grassroots over those who have been less visible.
There is a concerted effort to revitalise the Standing Committee, as several current members are sidelined by age or ill health.
Names currently circulating for promotion into this elite policy-making body include Abdul Awal Mintoo, Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, Ismail Zabiullah, and Advocate Joynal Abedin.
New faces may also come to the post of Vice Chairmen. The party has a plan to make room for skilled, experienced and politically mature leaders at the policy-making level. At the same time, people who are capable of providing policy guidance along with political experience may be included in the Advisory Council.
Secretary General post under discussion
The most intense speculation, however, surrounds the post of Secretary General.
While Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been a stalwart for the party over a long and difficult period, discussions regarding a “gradual transfer of responsibility” have emerged due to his age and health.
If a change occurs, the party seeks a successor capable of navigating the dual demands of party management and governance.
Potential contenders for this pivotal role include Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie.
In addition, the government’s Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan will be given important responsibilities through this year’s council.
Council preparations gain momentum
As preparations for the council accelerate, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir noted that the decade-long hiatus in holding a national assembly was due to leaders and activists being preoccupied with street movements while in opposition. He confirmed that intensive planning is now underway with the goal of convening the council this December.
A primary driver behind this organizational overhaul is the impending local government elections. The party high command believes that securing a victory requires a robust grassroots presence; consequently, significant emphasis is being placed on revitalising district, upazila, and union-level committees by introducing fresh leadership.
According to party insiders, this restructuring transcends simple personnel changes. It is envisioned as a comprehensive reform process designed to ensure leadership accountability, foster deeper worker involvement, and maintain the continuity of political activities across all tiers of the administration.
