As part of efforts to further dynamise party activities, increase organisational strength at the grassroots, and restructure affiliate and associate bodies, BNP is set to introduce new leadership for Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal.
Ahead of the move, vigorous discussions are taking place across different levels of BNP regarding the formation of a new central committee for Swecchasebak Dal. This in turn has motivated aspiring leaders to engage in intense lobbying and self-promotion.
According to several sources within BNP, the process of forming the central committee of Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal is now in its final stages.
The party high command is meticulously scrutinising the organisational capabilities, roles in movements and protests, grassroots acceptability, and past political sacrifices of potential top leaders.
If everything remains on track, the new central committee may be announced by June.
Surprises likely under ‘one post’ policy
There are indications of significant surprises in this committee, as there are internal discussions regarding the strict implementation of the “one leader, one post” policy.
Specifically, rumours have spread widely among activists that no one from the top two positions of the current committee may be retained in the new one.
On 4 September 2022, a three-year central committee was announced with SM Jilani as president and Rajib Ahsan as general secretary. Since the term of that committee has already expired, interest in the new leadership has reached its peak.
Several leaders of the organisation said Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak President Dal SM Jilani, General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, Senior Vice-President Yasin Ali, and Organisational Secretary Nazmul Hasan, recently held a meeting with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
During the meeting, detailed discussions took place regarding the restructuring of the committee, the evaluation of dedicated leaders, and bringing active field-level leadership to the forefront.
The meeting prioritised the evaluation of those who remained active on the streets during the long tenure of the previous government and sustained the organisation despite facing attacks, lawsuits, imprisonment, and persecution.
Simultaneously, positive discussions were held regarding the formation of a balanced committee comprising new, old, and previously deprived leaders.
Focus on dedicated leadership
In this context, the name of Mohammad Zakaria Alam Mamun, former joint secretary of Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal and former vice-president of the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, has emerged most prominently for the post of President.
A large section of grassroots activists desires to see him as president due to his active role in long-term movements, organisational skills, deep connection with the grassroots, and presence in the field during political crises.
Although he did not receive expected evaluation in previous full committees, Mamun is under consideration for top leadership due to the policy decision to bring dedicated and tested leaders forward.
Stakeholders believe he is in a strong position for the presidency particularly due to his consistent street presence during BNP’s difficult times, his leadership in various movements, and his maintenance of organisational links.
When asked about the restructuring of the committee, Mamun said, “The restructuring of the organisation’s committee is an ongoing process.
“I expect that the new leadership will be selected from those who have continued the movement on the streets despite being victims of imprisonment, persecution, and enforced disappearance by the fascist government for a long time.”
He added, “I believe BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will surely make the right decision by considering the organisational skills of tested and dedicated leaders against whom there are no allegations. I shall remain respectful and loyal to whatever decision he makes.”
Contenders and leadership evaluation
Other names under discussion for the post of president include senior vice-president of Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal Yasin Ali, former joint secretary Sadrez Zaman, former general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Nazrul Islam Noman, Vice-President Fakhrul Islam Robin, and Dhaka Metropolitan South President Zahir Uddin Tuhin.
On the other hand, those in discussion for the post of general secretary include the organisation’s Organisational Secretary Nazmul Hasan, Joint Secretary Fayezullah Fayez, Joint Secretary Rafiqul Islam Rafiq, Dhaka Metropolitan North President Sheikh Farid, and Joint Secretary Kazi Muktar Hossain.
Additionally, there are talks that leadership for the new committee may also emerge from former leaders of the Chhatra Dal. Among the potentials are former Chhatra Dal President Kazi Raonakul Islam Srabon, former Acting President Rashed Iqbal Khan, and former General Secretary Saif Mahmud Jewel.
Regarding Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal committee, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “Organisational activities of the party are ongoing across the country. Committees that have expired will be restructured one by one.
“Dedicated and tested leaders will be evaluated there. I believe those who have a relationship with grassroots activists and field politics will find a place in the committee.”
Regarding this, Nazrul Islam Noman, former general secretary of Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal South, said, “I expect BNP Chairman to evaluate those who have been on the streets for the past 17 years of movement and struggle, endured oppression and persecution, and are capable of strengthening the party by organising the grassroots.”
Joint Secretary Fayez Ullah Fayez said, “Priority should be given to meritorious, dedicated, and organisationally skilled leadership. If the committee is formed with those active in movements and struggles, a new momentum will return to the organisation.”
Joint General Secretary Rafiqul Islam Rafiq stated, “I am ready to give my life to protect democracy, independence, and sovereignty for the welfare of the country and the nation, holding the ideals of nationalism in my heart.
“I will perform any responsibility the party gives me with sincerity.”
Zahir Uddin Tuhin, president of Dhaka Metropolitan South Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal, said, “I have struggled on the streets for a long time and have been the victim of attacks and lawsuits.
“I will perform whatever responsibility the organisational guardian assigns.”
According to party activists, fresh enthusiasm will be created within the organisation if dedicated leaders with clean images and proven field records are evaluated in this committee.
Considering this, party sources say Mohammad Zakaria Alam Mamun has become the focal point of discussion for the post of President.
