Fakhrul presidency bid triggers reshuffle in BNP, cabinet

The news over BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s nomination for the presidency has triggered discussions over a potential reshuffle in the party, Cabinet and by-election in Thakurgaon.
If Fakhrul becomes president, the BNP would need an acting Secretary General until its next national council, while his Cabinet portfolio and parliamentary seat would also have to be addressed.
According to several reports citing party sources, BNP Standing Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi are being considered for the position of acting Secretary General. However, the party has made no formal announcement. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been authorised to give decision in this regard.
The names of Salahuddin Ahmed and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi have emerged most prominently in discussions. Both have extensive experience in BNP’s organisational and political activities and have held senior positions in the party.
Party insiders say Rizvi could have an edge because of his long involvement in the party’s central organisational activities. The final decision, however, will depend on the BNP’s top leadership.
WHO COULD GET THE LGRD PORTFOLIO?
Fakhrul would no longer be able to remain a Cabinet minister if he assumes the presidency, requiring a fresh allocation of the LGRD portfolio.
Salahuddin Ahmed’s name has also surfaced in discussions over the ministry, raising the question of whether he could simultaneously serve as acting secretary general and head a key ministry.
There has been no official indication of how the portfolio would be distributed. Party and government sources believe the final decision would rest with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
WHO COULD CONTEST FAKHRUL’S SEAT?
If Fakhrul becomes president, he will have to relinquish his parliamentary seat. Should the seat fall vacant, a by-election would subsequently be held in accordance with the constitutional and electoral process.
Against this backdrop, the names of Fakhrul’s daughter Mirza Samaruhu and brother Mirza Faisal have reportedly surfaced as possible candidates.
WHAT BNP LEADERS SAY
BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu told The Daily Observer that the party is yet to make any formal decision on the matter.
“As the party has not officially announced any decision yet, I cannot comment on the issue at this stage,” he said.