With the two-year tenure of the current central committee of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), having come to an end, discussions over the formation of a new leadership have intensified both within the organization and among political observers. According to party sources, the BNP high command is holding consultations to finalize the new central committee, including the posts of President and General Secretary. Leaders who have demonstrated commitment through organizational work, political activism, and participation in various movements are reportedly being given priority.

Among the names receiving the most attention is Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya, who currently serves as Senior Vice President of the JCD central committee. A student of Economics, Yahya previously held the position of Organizational Secretary and has played an active role in coordinating party activists across different organizational units.

On May 24, 2022, Yahya was seriously injured during an attack by Bangladesh Chhatra League activists on the Dhaka University campus. He sustained severe head injuries requiring 17 stitches, while a ligament in his leg was also torn. In 2023, he was arrested from Gabtoli while participating in a BNP protest programme and remained in jail for an extended period. Following the October 28 political developments, he served as the chief coordinator of JCD's protest programmes in northern and western Dhaka during the hartal and blockade campaigns. During the July–August 2024 mass uprising, he actively led demonstrations in Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Science Lab, Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur. After August 5, he organized programmes promoting constructive student politics in educational institutions across Rangpur, Rajshahi and Chattogram divisions.

Another prominent contender is Ijjajul Kabir Ruel, currently a Vice President of the central committee. A student of the Faculty of Science, Ruel previously served as Senior Vice President of Dhaka University JCD. He acted as the organization's acting president on the campus during the post-October 28 movement and was actively involved in the July–August mass uprising.

Dr. Touhidur Rahman Awal, also a Vice President of the central committee, is another leader under consideration. A medical student by academic background, Awal previously served as Joint Secretary of the central committee. He has been a familiar face in the party's protest movements and regularly joined demonstrations in Dhaka after October 28 under the leadership of BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. He also played a significant role during the July–August mass uprising.

Mominul Islam Jisan, currently the party's senior-most Joint Secretary, is also among the potential candidates. A student of Political Science, Jisan previously served as Senior Joint Secretary of Dhaka University JCD. His organizational experience and strong connections with grassroots activists have strengthened his position in the leadership discussions.

Current Organizational Secretary Aman Ullah Aman is another name being considered. A student of Music, Aman previously served as Joint Secretary of the central committee. He was arrested during the post-October 28 movement, spent two months in prison and reportedly faced torture while on remand. During the Awami League government's tenure, he faced multiple criminal cases, political attacks and imprisonment. Following August 5, he organized programmes promoting disciplined organizational activities and constructive student politics in educational institutions across the Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.

Several other leaders are also being discussed for the new committee, including Sharif Pradhan Shuvo, Mostafizur Rahman Shuvo, Safi Islam, Kazi Ziauddin Baset, Khorshed Alam Sohel, and Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, President of Dhaka University JCD. Sharif Pradhan Shuvo, currently serving as Publicity Secretary with the status of Joint Secretary, was assaulted on the university campus in 2011 and later imprisoned for six months after being arrested at a BNP rally. He also actively participated in the July–August 2024 movement. Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas is recognized for successfully organizing party programmes at Dhaka University during previous political movements.

Leadership aspirants believe that appointing experienced and committed leaders with proven records in political movements would further strengthen the organization. They maintain that the final decision regarding the new committee rests with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, whose decision will be accepted by all party leaders and activists.

JCD Joint General Secretary Mostafizur Rahman said the organization had remained at the forefront of the movement against the Sheikh Hasina government and now aims to contribute positively to nation-building. He expressed confidence that the party leadership would once again recognize leaders with proven records of sacrifice and organizational competence.

Vice President Ijjajul Kabir Ruel said preparations for the announcement of the new committee are underway and that it could be declared after the completion of the current organizational programmes. He added that whether the leadership structure consists of a "Super Two" or a "Super Five" would depend entirely on the decision of the party high command.

Dr. Touhidur Rahman Awal described committee formation as a continuous organizational process. He said the new leadership would be selected based on Bangladesh's current political realities, the organization's public image and future challenges. He also emphasized that while healthy competition exists among aspiring leaders, there is no internal hostility, and all members remain committed to respecting the party's final decision.

Overall, anticipation surrounding the announcement of the new JCD central committee continues to grow. Party insiders believe that a leadership comprising experienced, organizationally capable and grassroots-oriented leaders would further strengthen the organization and better prepare it to meet future political challenges.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the current Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army, is one of the country's most prominent military leaders. Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has served in numerous key command and staff appointments, demonstrating professional excellence both at home and abroad. On 23 June 2024, he assumed office as the 18th Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh. Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief of General Staff (CGS), Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, and Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, among several other important positions.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman was born on 16 September 1966, and his ancestral home is in Sherpur District, Bangladesh. He completed advanced military education at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Bangladesh. He later attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom and earned a master's degree from King's College London. His academic and professional training in military strategy, leadership, and administration has established him as a highly qualified career military officer.

He was commissioned into the East Bengal Regiment of the Bangladesh Army in 1985. Throughout his military career, he has held a wide range of command and staff appointments. He has commanded an infantry battalion, an infantry brigade, and an infantry division. In addition, he has served at the School of Infantry and Tactics and in several key branches of Army Headquarters. In 2017, he was appointed Military Secretary at Army Headquarters. He later served as the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division. On 5 November 2023, he was appointed the 7th Colonel Commandant of the Army Service Corps.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman also has extensive experience in United Nations peacekeeping operations. He served as a Senior Operations Officer in UN peacekeeping missions in Angola and Liberia. These international assignments further strengthened his leadership, operational planning, and crisis management capabilities.

On 23 June 2024, he formally assumed office as the 18th Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army. As Army Chief, his primary responsibilities include safeguarding the country's sovereignty, enhancing the operational capability and professionalism of the Bangladesh Army, maintaining military discipline, and contributing to national security.

On 5 August 2024, Bangladesh experienced a major political turning point when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid widespread unrest and political uncertainty. During this period, General Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed the nation, calling for peace, restraint, and the maintenance of law and order. He also announced that discussions with political parties would be held to facilitate the formation of an interim government. Following consultations involving political parties and representatives of the student-led movement, an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed, and its members took the oath of office on 8 August 2024.

Many political observers and members of the public have argued that General Waker-Uz-Zaman's decisions during the crisis played an important role in maintaining public order and national stability. According to these assessments, he instructed the Bangladesh Army to exercise restraint and prioritized the safety and security of civilians. Supporters of this view contend that these measures helped reduce the risk of wider violence and facilitated a comparatively peaceful political transition. However, these assessments are based primarily on the views of analysts, media reports, and sections of public opinion, and differing interpretations of his role also exist.

In his personal life, General Waker-Uz-Zaman is married to Begum Sarahnaz Komolika, and they have two daughters. He is also the son-in-law of former Chief of Army Staff General Mustafizur Rahman. Although his family background has occasionally attracted public attention, his military career is generally evaluated on the basis of his professional service, leadership, and extensive experience.

Public opinion regarding General Waker-Uz-Zaman's leadership remains diverse. Many people regard him as a capable, prudent, and experienced military leader who sought a peaceful resolution during a period of national crisis. Others, particularly within certain political circles, have questioned some of his decisions and positions. Consequently, assessments of his leadership continue to vary depending on differing political and analytical perspectives.

Throughout Bangladesh's military history, several Chiefs of Army Staff—including General Ziaur Rahman, General Nuruddin Khan, and General Mustafizur Rahman—have played significant roles in shaping the armed forces and the nation. Determining who was the most successful or influential Army Chief remains a matter of historical interpretation and scholarly debate, as no universally accepted official ranking exists. General Waker-Uz-Zaman's historical standing will likewise be determined over time through objective research, historical analysis, and public evaluation.

Overall, General Waker-Uz-Zaman is widely recognized as an experienced and professional military officer. During his long career, he has held numerous key command and staff appointments, participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and made significant contributions to the leadership of the Bangladesh Army. His role during the political crisis of 2024 attracted considerable attention both domestically and internationally. At the same time, his actions have been the subject of both praise and criticism. Ultimately, the long-term assessment of his leadership and contributions to Bangladesh's military and political history will depend on impartial historical research, scholarly evaluation, and the passage of time.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday said the current government is working as the guardian of the country's independence, sovereignty and democracy, alleging that various conspiracies are being hatched against it. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office. Rizvi, also prime minister's political adviser, said defeated forces may resort to various conspiracies and attempts to tarnish the government's image, asking party leaders and activists to remain vigilant.

He said BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed party leaders and activists to act like "guards and protectors" alongside members of the Hindu community during the upcoming Rath Yatra.

The BNP leader said the party had adopted the same approach during previous Durga Puja celebrations, with party leaders visiting puja mandaps, speaking to devotees and working to ensure their security. “This time as well, BNP will stand beside them during Rath Yatra and Ulto Rath celebrations so that no one can create provocation or exploit the occasion for political purposes," he said.

Rizvi said people from the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and other ethnic communities now understand who had previously attempted to divide the nation.

He said the participation of people from all communities during the recent election and different religious festivals demonstrated that no anti-state force will be able to foil the country's "strong and united national harmony."

The BNP leader urged the public, leaders and activists of his party and other democratic political parties to remain alert so that "anti-state forces or their agents" cannot create obstacles through provocation.

Emphasising the role of field-level officials, he said government efforts will not achieve the desired results if local officials fail to provide accurate information on programme implementation.

Rizvi also described the government's school feeding programme for primary school students as a "noble and humanitarian initiative."

He, however, demanded accountability and disciplinary action against officials responsible in areas where students reportedly fell ill after consuming food supplied under the school feeding programme.

Among others, BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Assistant Publicity Secretary Asadul Karim Shaheen, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Vice President Dr Zahidul Islam and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice President Dr Towhidur Rahman Awal were present.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called for concerted efforts to make Bangladesh a safe habitat for all living beings, saying protecting wildlife and preserving the environment should be a shared responsibility of both the government and people.Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the World Environment Day programme, Environment Fair 2026 and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026, he also urged people across the country to turn tree plantation and environmental protection into a nationwide social movement, saying

Bangladesh can build a greener and healthier future only through united efforts.

"I would like to share with you what I believe: Bangladesh should become a safe habitat for all animals and all forms of life," Tarique Rahman said.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre under the theme, "Let's Beautify the Country through Tree Plantation; Bangladesh First."

The Prime Minister said biodiversity is under growing threat due to population growth, climate change, unplanned urbanisation, the filling of rivers and wetlands, deforestation and other human activities.

He said the habitats of wildlife as well as aquatic plants and animals are also under threat because of these factors.

Tarique Rahman said protecting ecosystems is essential to ensuring the safety of wildlife, domestic animals and birds, warning that no matter how many initiatives are taken, it will not be possible to ensure a safe environment for people without safeguarding all forms of life.

"Do not be cruel to wild animals. Do not treat dogs and cats inhumanely. For the safety of human beings, protecting every animal and every form of life requires not only the government's efforts but also active participation from citizens," he said.

Beginning his speech with a verse from the Holy Quran, the Prime Minister said Allah has created everything on earth for the benefit of humanity.

He said rivers, trees, insects, wildlife, domestic animals and the entire natural environment are all beneficial to humanity, and stressed that people also have a responsibility to protect and care for all of Allah's creations.

Referring to scientific evidence, Tarique Rahman said the relationship between human society and the ecosystem is inseparable and protecting ecosystems is closely linked to the well-being of people.

He urged everyone to play their part in protecting birds, animals and insects, saying every species has a role in maintaining nature's balance.

The Prime Minister said the Environment Fair and Tree Fair are an investment in ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for both present and future generations.

He also called for a united national effort to protect the environment and tackle climate change, saying environmental conservation is no longer an option but a necessity for ensuring a safe and sustainable future for Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman said the government has adopted a long-term plan to increase forest coverage and restore ecological balance through large-scale tree plantation and proper care of saplings across the country.

He urged people from all walks of life to take part in the campaign, saying tree plantation should become a social movement involving individuals, educational institutions, businesses and local communities.

The Prime Minister said protecting forests, biodiversity and wildlife is essential to addressing the growing impacts of climate change, including floods, cyclones, salinity and rising temperatures.

He urged the country’s people to make caring for nature a part of their daily lives.

Recalling his time in London, Tarque Rahman shared how a neighbour had planted a rose tree for each of his three children when they were born.

Inspired by that experience, he urged every family in Bangladesh to plant at least one tree whenever a child is born. "If we plant a tree to celebrate the birth of every child, both the child and the tree will grow together. In this way, tree plantation can become a successful social movement," he said.

Tarique Rahman said the government has already launched several initiatives, including Green Volunteer programmes in educational institutions, the Climate Youth Fellowship and an Environment Startup Fund to encourage greater public participation in environmental protection.

He said the government remains committed to its election pledge of planting 25 crore trees within five years, but stressed that the campaign must focus on suitable native species rather than simply planting large numbers of trees, calling for planting medicinal, fruit-bearing, bamboo, timber and endangered native species while avoiding plants that could harm the local environment.

The Prime Minister said afforestation should not only increase greenery but also help create habitats for birds, wildlife and insects that are essential for maintaining ecological balance.

He stressed that protecting existing mature trees is just as important as planting new ones and urged the Forest Department to ensure their preservation.

Tarique Rahman also reiterated the government's commitment to protecting forests, preventing hill cutting, conserving mangroves and stopping wildlife destruction.

Warning about the growing impact of climate change, he said Bangladesh is already experiencing rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, floods, cyclones, droughts, river erosion and salinity intrusion.

"In this reality, the government considers the environment not as a separate sector but as one of the foundations of national development," the Prime Minister said.

He said protecting rivers is equally important, warning that agriculture, food security and water security will all be at risk if rivers continued to be polluted and degraded.

Tarique Rahman said the government's programme to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals will not only improve irrigation but also help the country adapt to climate change.

He also stressed the need for a major improvement in waste management across cities and towns, saying tree plantation alone will not be enough to protect the environment.

The Prime Minister said the government is working to reduce plastic waste, promote recycling, produce organic fertiliser and convert waste into energy under the "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" policy.

However, he said proper waste management will only succeed if citizens change their behaviour. "I appeal to every citizen – please do not throw waste wherever you like. Let us encourage our friends, relatives and neighbours to do the same," he said.

Tarique Rahman said the government remains committed to implementing environment-friendly policies and expanding green initiatives as part of its election manifesto.

He stressed that economic development and environmental protection must go hand in hand, adding that sustainable development is impossible without preserving natural resources.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the need to encourage younger generations to become more aware of environmental conservation and climate action.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo chaired the programme.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Md Saimum Parvez and acting Secretary Fahmida Khanom also spoke at the programme.

The programme began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by readings from other holy scriptures. A documentary highlighting the government's achievements in environment, forestry and climate change was also screened.

During the function, the Prime Minister presented the National Environment Award 2025, the National Wildlife Conservation Award 2026 and the National Tree Plantation Award 2025. He also distributed dividend cheques among beneficiaries of the social forestry programme.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister planted tree saplings on the conference centre premises before visiting different stalls at the National Tree Fair.