Who will be BNP’s next Secretary General?

The ruling BNP may hold its national council end of this year or early next year, with growing indications that incumbent Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir may not continue in the post. Fakhrul himself hinted at such possibility in recent media comments, triggering speculation over his successor.

The speculation has also intensified ahead of the Presidential election scheduled for August 20, amid reports that Mirza Fakhrul could be considered for the presidency. However, there has been no official confirmation.

Fakhrul became the BNP’s acting Secretary General in 2011 and was appointed full Secretary General in 2016. He was imprisoned six times during the Awami League government’s long tenure.

Despite repeated speculation about his replacement over nearly 15 years, his clean image and reputation as a moderate and decent politician made it difficult for the party to find an alternative.

Historically, the BNP has often appointed its Senior or First Joint Secretary General as acting Secretary General before making the appointment permanent. This time, however, party insiders believe the process could be different. If Fakhrul becomes President, BNP may appoint an acting Secretary General before or after the council. There is also speculation that vacant Standing Committee positions could be filled before a new Secretary General is selected.

Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is currently the most discussed name for the post. Party activists say he has extensive knowledge of the BNP’s organisational network from the district to union levels and has remained closely involved in organisational activities and anti-government movements during the Awami League regime. 

Since becoming Senior Joint Secretary General, Rizvi has helped implement various party programmes under the directives of former Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and then-Acting Chairman-and now Chairman and Prime Minister-Tarique Rahman.

Standing Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed is another strong contender. After being subjected to enforced disappearance during the Awami League era, he spent years in India but remained involved in anti-government political activities.

A close associate and relative of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Salahuddin has also attracted attention for his parliamentary role as Home Minister and strategic responses to opposition criticism. However, some party leaders believe his prolonged absence from Bangladesh has limited his direct contact with grassroots activists, potentially weakening his prospects.

Standing Committee member and key person of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Dr A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, who is now serving as a full minister for two ministries, is also being discussed as a possible successor, according to a BNP source. He is regarded as close to the Zia family.

Other names in circulation include Standing Committee member and Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; Chairman's Adviser and Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan; Joint Secretary General and Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie; and Joint Secretary General Advocate Mahbub Uddin Khokon.

Several senior BNP leaders told The Daily Observer that ruling parties often develop a gap between central leadership and grassroots organisations. They believe the next Secretary General should have strong grassroots connections.

A Standing Committee member, speaking anonymously, said, "Since our Chairman is now the Prime Minister, the Secretary General will be at the centre of the party's organisational activities. Appointing someone without strong grassroots connections could prove counterproductive."

BNP leaders and activists at different levels said they want a long-serving, experienced and worker-friendly leader who is accepted at the grassroots and has strong organisational skills.

Faridpur district BNP President Advocate Syed Modarres Ali Esa told The Daily Observer, "We like dynamic leadership like Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. If the Secretary General is directly elected through voting at the next council, we will choose a capable and worker-friendly person. If the Chairman is given sole authority, he will select the right person in the interests of the party and its organisation."

BNP Sylhet divisional organisational secretary G.K. Gaws said, "The people have proven through their votes that BNP is the country's most popular party. We expect an experienced and capable political leader as party's Secretary General. Those who stood beside workers during difficult times should receive priority."

Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said, "Whatever is best for the party and the country will be done. A committed, experienced and wise leader will be given priority." He added, "We have also heard that Mirza Fakhrul does not want to continue as Secretary General."

Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said the next Secretary General would likely be someone preferred by Tarique Rahman who could work effectively with him and serve the party and country. "A relatively younger leader could also come to the post. A worker-friendly leader will receive greater consideration," he said.

With Rizvi, Salahuddin Ahmed and A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain emerging as the most prominent names, the final choice will depend on the BNP's national council, particularly on  the final decision of party Chairman and Prime Minister Tareq1ue Rahman, who virtually led the party during the last 17 years.