Rizvi’s Appointment as Acting Secretary General Energises BNP Leaders and Activists

Faruk Hossain

After winning the 13th parliamentary election, most of the BNP’s top leaders became MPs, while many were appointed ministers and state ministers. As the party became increasingly government-oriented, its organisational activities were also affected. The BNP has regained momentum since August 20, when Senior Joint Secretary General and Standing Committee member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was appointed acting secretary general, energising activists from the central level to the grassroots. Mr. Rizvi’s appointment has been seen as the fulfilment of a long-standing grassroots expectation. For nearly two decades, he has remained closely involved with the party and its activists. Political analysts say he has played a key role in the BNP’s central-office activities, media management and communication during political crises. His continued presence at the Nayapaltan office during difficult periods, along with his regular statements and programmes, has earned him strong support among party activists.

Activists say his elevation demonstrates that those who remain committed to organisational responsibilities and follow party directives can eventually gain recognition. They also see the appointment of a leader who rose through the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and established himself through political movements and sacrifice as a source of renewed motivation. Bakhtiar Ahmed Kochi, general secretary of the Dinajpur district BNP, said Ruhul Kabir Rizvi represents the hopes and aspirations of the party’s dedicated activists. He said the expectations of those who had sacrificed for the party over the years had been fulfilled through the decision of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Since Mr. Rizvi’s appointment, renewed enthusiasm has been visible among BNP activists from Nayapaltan to party offices in remote areas. Grassroots workers regard him as a senior leader who stood beside them during difficult times, strengthening their confidence and sense of security. Those who remained active despite lawsuits, attacks and imprisonment now hope that committed activists will receive greater recognition, while young leaders of affiliated organisations will have more opportunities to advance. BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu thanked Tarique Rahman for appointing Mr. Rizvi, describing the decision as recognition of a dedicated leader who rose through the Chhatra Dal. He said Mr. Rizvi’s political struggle and sacrifices had been witnessed nationwide and expressed hope that the party and the country would move forward under his leadership.

BNP Assistant Secretary for Economic Affairs Mahmudur Rahman Sumon said Mr. Rizvi had earned the position through his commitment during years of political movements and struggles and had reached the post of acting secretary general through his own merit. Jubo Dal Vice-President Dr Lohani said the organisation’s leaders were united under Mr. Rizvi’s leadership. Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr Towhidur Rahman Auwal described him as one of the best leaders to have emerged from Khaleda Zia’s Chhatra Dal, saying his appointment had fulfilled a long-standing aspiration among activists at all levels.