DIPANKAR ROY, Khulna

Khulna city unit of BNP is set to hold its council today after 16 years.

For the first time, the council will elect its leadership for the posts of unit’s president, general secretary and organising secretary through direct voting.

The council will be held at the city’s Circuit House ground in the morning, followed by the voting in the afternoon at the Khulna District Stadium’s gymnasium.

Amid the current political landscape and in the aftermath of the July-August uprising, this conference holds particular significance for BNP in Khulna.

A total of 12 candidates are contesting for the three key positions, while 505 councillors from the city’s five thanas will exercise their voting rights.

Party leaders and activists are showing great enthusiasm for the council, and expectations for new leadership are running high. Candidates are actively engaging with councillors, promising to work for the party’s betterment, and even apologising for past mistakes.

The council is being held three years after the formation of the BNP’s convening committee in Khulna. Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been announced as the chief guest, while Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be the special guest.

Election Commissioner Advocate Masud Hossain Roni declared the election schedule on February 16.

For the past 15 years, BNP faced numerous challenges in Khulna, including political repression from the ousted Awami League government, said party leaders.

Many leaders have been targeted with lawsuits and attacks, lost their businesses, or forced to withdraw from politics due to pressure. Internal conflicts within the party also led to significant obstacles, weakening the party’s organisational strength and limiting grassroots activities in the city.

BNP’s last Khulna city unit committee was formed

SEE PAGE 4 COL 4