Major changes are coming at the central committee of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Many senior leaders of the party including its standing committee members can be eliminated after the next party council meeting. Fresh leaders might replace the big guns evaluating their role in the previous movements. But BNP senior leaders said it can take at least six months for the party council to be held.

BNP’s last council was held on 8 December 2009. Another council didn’t take place for various reasons despite preparations. The party activities are being organised by the expired committee. The top leaders are suggesting reorganising the party evaluating results of the two phases of their movements.

Recently, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in a view exchange meeting said, ‘We want to honour them who are dedicated to the party and didn’t betray with the party.’

BNP standing committee member ASM Hannan Shah said, ‘At least six month preparations are needed to hold a national council meeting of the party. Many national executive committee members of the party are in prison and some others are in hideout.’

Another standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said, ‘It’s difficult to hold council meeting soon given the current undemocratic attitudes of the government.’

‘It’ll be only formality to hold a council meeting without the absence of executive members,’ Nazrul Islam Khan added.

According to the party constitution, BNP chairperson has the sole authority to recruit standing committee members, vice-chairman and advisory members. It has become a style to have change in these posts after the council meeting. The party executive members presume that there will be no exception this time too. They inform drastic changes are coming, whenever the council holds.

BNP standing committee member Ltd. Gen (Rtd.) Mahbubur Rahman said, ‘There is no alternative to reorganise the party as new leadership has to be brought for the wellbeing of the party.’  

Hannan Shah said, ‘Some members of the standing committee, advisory council and vice-chairman can’t participate in the party activities. There will be no exertion in active politics keeping them in their position.’

The party senior leaders said BNP wants to be active in field politics demanding national elections after reorganising the party.

Translated by Sheikh Khalil Sohel