BNP veteran Noman upset after denied place in standing committee

BNP leader Abdullah Al Noman is upset after his party denied him a place in its highest policy-making body.   

Mintu Chowdhurybdnews24.com
Published : 9 August 2016, 04:43 AM
Updated : 9 August 2016, 10:10 AM

Supporters of the politician from Chittagong have claimed he might even say goodbye to politics.

Noman remained vice-chairman of the BNP’s central committee as Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed secured positions at the National Standing Committee. 

On Saturday the party announced its new National Standing Committee, 73-strong Advisory Council and 502-strong Executive Committee, all approved by the BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Amir Khosru, an advisor to the chief, succeeded Noman as president of the party’s Chittagong chapter. Salahuddin was joint secretary general.

Two other influential leaders from the port city, Mir Mohammad Nasiruddin and M Morshed Khan also hold the post of vice-chairman and are former ministers like Noman. 

His supporters believe it was not wise of BNP to leave the old-timer out of its standing committee .

They have been pressing him to resign from the post of vice-chairman. 

Noman had hoped for a spot in the standing committee and was disappointed to see his position unchanged after Saturday’s announcement, several BNP leaders told bdnews24.com.

“Noman bhai has sacrificed so much for BNP in Chittagong. He has the highest contribution in its formation here. The very people he brought into politics got big positions, but he is not being given importance,” said a leader, seeking anonymity.

“He is being disrespected. So he should not stay on in his post. His followers are requesting him to resign.”

On Monday, Noman told bdnews24.com: “I’ve been in politics for a long time. I hoped for a proper position. I’m a little upset." 

Mosaddek Ali Falu resigned as vice chairman soon after the new committee was announced.  

When asked if he will resign, Noman said: “I got phone calls from my supporters who want me to leave the post. I’m sharing my thoughts with them. I’ve been thinking too. But I can’t reach a decision immediately.”

He said he valued the sentiments of his supporters. “I’ve not told them anything yet. I’m just listening. I’ll come to a decision soon.”

The standing committee still has two empty spots which will be filled up in good time, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Meanwhile, 51 leaders and activists issued a statement on Sunday demanding Noman’s inclusion in the committee and threatened to stop party work if he was denied.

“He (Noman) has been making sacrifices ever since this party was founded. He deserves to be honoured,” said Abdus Sattar, convener of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum in Chittagong.

“He has his self esteem,” said Sattar, also former joint secretary general of BNP in Chittagong. “He may be considering resignation because of pressure from supporters and the fact that he is hurt.”

Noman began politics as a student. He was with Bangladesh Chhatra Union, NAP (Bhashani) before joining the BNP in the 80s.

His brother Abdullah Al Harun was a leader of the Awami League, the party in power.

Noman held significant roles centrally and in Chittagong. He was elected to parliament twice and was minister of fisheries.