Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder Is likely to relinquish his position as the Secretary General of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during the forthcoming National Council early next month, a senior leader hinted yesterday.

'Of late he has been complaining about his health to his cabinet and party colleagues. Talukder. who has a heart condition, may request the BNP chairperson to relieve him of the party post.' the source, head of a council preparatory sub-committee, told The Daily Star on condition of anonymity

Salam Talukder has been holding the key-post for over six years.

Local’ Government and Rural Development Minister Salam Talukder waa unaval) able for comment because he is out of the country.

There is still enough time to take a decision on this and the party has enough capable leaders to fill the position," the BNP leader said, adding that 'However, as per the party constitution. ft Is the prerogative of the chairperson to take the final decision.'

The council, on September 1-2. will be the fourth tn the hlstoty of the 15-year old party which will also observe Its founding anniversary on the opening day.

Under the party constitution, some 2017 councillors would only elect the chairman who will later select his/her party colleagues for different posts.

The sources declined to name the persons in the running for the 3G's post, but other party sources speculated Works Minister Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah — presently a Joint Secretary General — Labour Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and Communications Minister Oli Ahmed were possible candidates. The name of Social Welfare Minister Tariqul Islam Is also being mentioned.

One group of BNP stalwarts are in favour of a minlster-cum-Secretary General but another group favours a full-time SG. unencumbered with ministerial obligations. In order for him to give better attention and reinvigorate party activities.

Barrister Salam Talukder, appointed by Begum Khaleda Zia In .1987, Is the fourth Secretary General of the party. He succeeded KM Obaldur Rahman who held the key post briefly In 1986, before falling out with Begum Zia and eventually deserting the party to float his own.

Professor Badruddoza Chowdhury was the first Secretary General of the BNP, founded on September 1. 1978 by the late President Ziaur Rahman. Chowdhury functioned as SO until 1984 when present Foreign Minister ASM Mostaftzur Rahman took over for two years.