Who Will Be the Next BNP Secretary General?
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
For nearly a decade and a half, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has served as the 'ever-watchful guardian' of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as its Secretary General. Party calculations suggest he is the longest-serving holder of the post in BNP history. Now, a leadership change in the upcoming party council appears increasingly likely.
So, who will become BNP’s next Secretary General? Inside the party, three senior leaders are being widely discussed as potential candidates for the BNP’s eighth Secretary General. They are Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Although no final date has been confirmed, BNP has begun preparations for its national council, likely scheduled for December this year. Alongside organizational strengthening, district, upazila, and grassroots committees are being formed and restructured across the country.
The upcoming council has generated significant enthusiasm among party leaders and activists. At the center of that excitement is the question of possible leadership change, particularly in the Secretary General position.
Political discussions inside and outside the party continue over who will take on the role next.
All three contenders are veteran politicians with long careers in student politics and are considered trusted figures within the Zia family circle. Party sources also say they are acceptable to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
At present, all three hold key responsibilities in the government. Salahuddin Ahmed is serving as Home Minister, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain holds the portfolios of Social Welfare and Women & Children Affairs, while Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is acting as political and industry adviser to the prime minister with ministerial rank.
Among them, Salahuddin Ahmed is considered the frontrunner. His influence in policymaking circles and close ties with Tarique Rahman have placed him at the center of internal discussions. As a key member of the party’s Standing Committee, he has long been involved in strategic decision-making.
Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain is widely respected within the party as an effective organizer. During the Awami League era, he played a key role in coordinating political programs, divisional rallies, and organizational activities. He also maintains strong grassroots acceptance and is seen as close to the Zia family, having been actively involved in the treatment of late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is viewed by party activists as a 'dedicated leader.' His long-standing presence on the streets during political movements, repeated arrests and legal challenges, and firm stance during difficult times have made him popular among grassroots supporters.
However, insiders say the final decision may still bring a surprise name outside the current list of contenders.
BNP’s last national council was held on March 19, 2016. According to party constitution, a council should be held every three years, but internal political struggles and organizational challenges delayed the process.
It was during that 2016 council that Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected the party’s seventh Secretary General. Before that, he served as Senior Joint Secretary General. Following the death of then-Secretary General Khondaker Delwar Hossain on March 16, 2011, Fakhrul first became acting Secretary General before taking over permanently.
Political analysts say Fakhrul’s tenure has been one of the most challenging periods in BNP’s history. While party chairperson Khaleda Zia was imprisoned and acting chairman Tarique Rahman remained in London, Fakhrul effectively became the central face of the party inside Bangladesh. Despite repeated arrests, political pressure, and adversity, he managed to keep the party united and provided steady leadership.
After nearly two decades, BNP has returned to state power. Fakhrul is currently serving in the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. Recently, he said, “I am very tired. I will have to stay until the next council. After that, I want to retire. I am getting old and unwell.”
Another discussion gaining traction within party circles is whether Fakhrul Islam Alamgir could be considered for the post of President after his retirement, although no official decision has been announced.
Since its founding on September 1, 1978, BNP has had seven Secretary Generals. The founding Secretary General was Professor Dr. AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, followed by Mostafizur Rahman, KM Obaidur Rahman, Abdus Salam Talukder, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Khondaker Delwar Hossain, and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
BNP’s Dhaka Division organizing secretary Kazi Sayedul Alam Babul said party activities have intensified nationwide ahead of the national council, including restructuring district and upazila committees to strengthen grassroots organization.
Standing Committee member Selima Rahman said the party is currently focused on budget-related matters and that the council will be held at an appropriate time. She added that it is the era of new leadership and expressed hope for a balanced council combining experienced and young leaders.
However, when asked whether there will be a change in the Secretary General position, she said the decision will be made by the party leadership and its chairperson.
