The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
The Sylhet Metropolitan unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has suspended its decision to appoint three expatriates to its advisory council following internal backlash and allegations of procedural irregularities. The decision to reverse the appointments came four days after they were initially announced.
The three individuals named in the September 13 notification were United Kingdom-based Faisal Ahmed and Mohammad Humayun Milad, and United States-based Saifur Harun. The announcement, issued by Sylhet Metropolitan BNP President Nasim Hossein and General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, triggered immediate criticism from local party members who questioned the appointees’ lack of political visibility and the legitimacy of the selection process.
Nasim Hossein confirmed the suspension on Thursday, stating that the process used to add the three members to the advisory council was not appropriate. Critics within the party argued that the appointments were made without the required approval from the central committee and violated the party’s constitution. According to BNP regulations, the party secretary general, in consultation with the chairman, holds the authority to approve executive committee appointments, rather than local metropolitan leaders.
Several party members, including those based in the UK and the US, told reporters that the three appointees were not recognized figures within the party’s organizational structure. Shahidul Islam, a member of the UK BNP convening committee, noted that while Faisal Ahmed previously held a position in Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS), he has not been active in UK BNP politics. Similarly, local leaders expressed that Mohammad Humayun and Saifur Harun were largely unknown to the party rank and file.
During an organizational meeting held on Wednesday night, which was attended by central BNP organizing secretary G.K. Gauch, several leaders expressed frustration over the appointments. Sadiqur Rahman, a vice president of the Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, questioned how expatriates living abroad could effectively advise local leaders and activists. Multiple sources within the metropolitan unit alleged that the appointments were made based on the recommendation of a prominent minister’s brother, though this claim has not been independently verified.
The Sylhet Metropolitan BNP committee has undergone several leadership changes since its formation in March 2023. Nasim Hossein was removed from his post in August 2024 due to alleged disciplinary issues but was reinstated to his position on August 6 of this year. The advisory council, which previously consisted of 57 members, was initially formed in June under the leadership of acting president Rezaul Hassan Qais Lodi and general secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury.
Article and image source: prothomalo.com
