BNP now to elect its senior vice-chair

Tarique Rahman

The BNP has amended its constitution to include a provision for electing the senior vice-chairman through an election during the party's sixth national council on March 19.

The party's standing committee at a meeting on Wednesday night brought the change to the charter. Previously, the BNP used to hold an election to the post of chairperson.

During its last national council in 2009, the BNP had created the post of senior vice-chairman and incorporated the provision in the charter. Tarique Rahman was made senior vice-chairman.

Party insiders said incumbent senior vice-chairman is the only candidate for the post.

Speaking at a press conference at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, party acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the standing committee members requested party chief Khaleda Zia to bring necessary amendments in section19-A of the constitution for holding the election.

“The chairperson approved the necessary amendment in line with the standing committee's recommendation,” he added. 

The meeting also formed a three-member election commission, headed by Jamiruddin Sircar, to hold the polls. Former minister Aminul Islam and Harun Al Rahsid were made the member secretary and member of the commission. 

The BNP already got clearance from the Public Works Department to use the Suhrawardy Udyan as the council venue, but it was still awaiting a green signal from the police, said Fakhrul.

Fifteen subcommittees have been formed to make the March 19 council successful, according to a release of the party.