BNP amends charter to make provision to choose senior vice-chairperson through elections

The BNP has amended its charter to make provision for holding election for the post of senior vice-chairman in its upcoming National Council.

The party’s charter, however, has provision for selecting its chairperson through an election.

During its last council in 2009, the party re-elected Khaleda Zia to lead the party.

It had also then elevated her son Tarique Rahman to a newly-created post of senior vice-chairman.

Until now, the charter did not have any provision for holding election for the post.

Tarique has been living in London for the last eight years after he was released in parole. He now faces arrest in several cases.

He had addressed the BNP’s 2009 council through video conference from the UK.

The decision to amend the charter was taken at a meeting of the BNP’s highest policy-making body, the National Standing Committee, convened by Khaleda on Wednesday. 

Senior leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a media briefing on Thursday that the Standing Committee members unanimously decided and requested the party chief to make the necessary amendments allowing for the polls.

“Upon the Standing Committee’s recommendation, the chairperson has approved the necessary amendment,” said the BNP acting secretary general.

He said Wednesday’s meeting also formed an election commission headed by Jamiruddin Sircar to hold the polls during the council.

The party has fixed Mar 19 for holding the conclave.

It has already got clearance from the Public Works Department to use the Suhrawardy Udyan, but is awaiting a green signal from the police.