BNP’s second-highest post, secretary general, has fallen vacant after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir resigned. He stepped down from the position, along with his seat on the party’s National Standing Committee, after receiving the party’s nomination as its presidential candidate. His departure has triggered intense discussion within and outside the party over who will fill the post.
Many senior BNP leaders are interested in the secretary general position and are lobbying behind the scenes. However, the final decision on selecting a new secretary general rests with party Chairman and Prime Minister Tareque Rahman.
Drawing a parallel to how Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir once rose from senior joint secretary general to acting secretary general, many now view Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as a likely candidate for the acting role. However, the party has not yet finalized anyone’s name. Rizvi was promoted to the Standing Committee on Saturday, August 15.
Four leaders were made members of BNP’s highest policy-making forum, the National Standing Committee, that day: Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Aman Ullah Aman, Dr Farhad Halim Donar, and Ismail Jabiullah.
Party leaders and activists are now waiting to see whom Tareque Rahman selects for the secretary general post. A section of senior leaders remain active contenders for the position, with the final decision resting entirely with the party chief and prime minister.
Besides Rizvi, Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed are also being discussed for the post. A section within the party wants the secretary general chosen from the Standing Committee, arguing it would help maintain internal balance. Both Amir Khasru and Salahuddin currently head important government ministries.
Rizvi’s promotion to the Standing Committee has also left the senior joint secretary general post vacant. At least three leaders are being discussed for that position: joint secretaries general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and Rakibul Islam Bakul — all former student leaders.
Meanwhile, the government is set to complete its first six months on August 16. Separately, the country’s new presidential election is scheduled for August 20. If all proceeds as planned, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be sworn in as president on August 20 or 21.
Sources familiar with the matter say the cabinet may be reshuffled soon after the president’s swearing-in. This has fueled discussion and speculation at all levels of BNP. Both those hoping to become ministers or state ministers and those fearing exclusion from the cabinet are seeking to gauge the situation by approaching influential officials at the Prime Minister’s Office as well as senior ministers and leaders.
Those hoping for a cabinet post are lobbying for inclusion, while ministers fearing removal are working to retain their positions.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report