#Title BNP eyes long-overdue overhaul of affiliate bodies Most committees expired, some for over a decade; Tarique asks for shortlist of candidates

SAJJAD HOSSAIN

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed senior party leaders to prepare a list of potential candidates for key posts in the party’s associated and affiliated bodies.

Party sources said committees in 10 of the BNP’s 11 affiliated bodies have already expired, some by more than a decade, creating pressure for a long-overdue restructuring.

Among the major associate and affiliated bodies, the committees of Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, Mohila Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Sramik Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajeebi Dal and Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha have all exceeded their official terms.

BNP leaders said the issue has become more urgent as several leaders of these bodies are now serving either in the government or as members of parliament, limiting their ability to remain actively involved in organisational work.

For instance, Swechchhasebak Dal president SM Jilani is now a lawmaker, while its general secretary Razib Ahsan is serving as state minister for shipping.

The Swechchhasebak Dal committee, formed on September 4, 2022, completed its term last year.

Wishing anonymity, a BNP standing committee member, who is also a minister, said, “Two or three affiliated bodies will get new leadership first. After that, others will be reorganised gradually. All decisions will be taken by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.”

He also said those who are now in government or serving as MPs are expected to step aside from organisational posts.

“This will allow others to get the opportunity to work in the organisations,” he added.

As part of the process, top leaders of the affiliated bodies have already started holding meetings at the party’s Nayapaltan central office to discuss how to usher in new leadership, party insiders said.

Meanwhile, aspirants for different posts have begun lobbying, with many submitting their profiles to senior policymakers and contacting influential figures within the party and the government.

Party leaders said the new committees would try to strike The

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