After securing victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and assuming responsibility for governing the country, the top leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has become increasingly occupied with state administration and governmental affairs. As a result, organizational activities within the party’s affiliated and associate bodies have also experienced a slowdown. To revitalize these long-stagnant organizations, the BNP high command has now become active once again. In particular, widespread discussion, speculation, and political maneuvering have begun surrounding the formation of a new central committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal.
According to party sources, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed a positive attitude toward bringing in new leadership to strengthen and make the organization more effective. At the same time, the implementation of the “One Leader, One Post” policy has created the possibility of major changes in the current top leadership of the organization. Although current Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon has been elected as a Member of Parliament, he is still considered one of the strongest contenders for the position of president.
Political analysts believe that since BNP is now in government, it is essential to make its affiliated organizations more efficient, dynamic, and connected to the public. In this context, the restructuring of Jubo Dal and other associate bodies is being viewed as highly significant.
On July 9, 2024, a partial central committee of Jubo Dal was announced, naming Abdul Monayem Munna as president and Nurul Islam Nayon as general secretary. However, despite nearly 22 months having passed, the committee has yet to be fully completed, creating frustration and disappointment among grassroots activists. Many leaders and activists see this as an organizational failure of the current leadership.
Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna stated that they have already submitted a proposed 151-member full committee to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and it will be published once approved. At the same time, party insiders say the high command is also considering the formation of an entirely new central committee.
According to party sources, three key factors are being given priority in selecting the next leadership of Jubo Dal. First, controversial-free, persecuted, and dedicated leaders from the current committee will be evaluated. Second, there are plans to utilize the experience of influential former leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. Third, efforts are underway to bring forward skilled organizers who have worked quietly within the organization for years without much public recognition.
Particular emphasis is being placed on leaders who played active roles in anti-government movements during the Awami League administration, faced lawsuits and political persecution, and remained active on the streets for a long time. Within the party, this approach is being described as a policy of “evaluating sacrifice.”
Several leaders are being strongly discussed for the post of central president of Jubo Dal. Among them are current General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon, former Senior Vice President Mamun Hasan, current Senior Vice President Rezaul Kabir Pol, and former convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal Golam Mawla Shahin.
Competition for the post of general secretary is also intense. Leaders under discussion include Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal Convener Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam, Jubo Dal Executive Committee Joint General Secretary Bellal Hossain Tarek, and former Chhatra Dal General Secretary Akramul Hasan Mintu.
At the same time, there is considerable discussion regarding the leadership of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal. Those being considered for the position of president include current Member Secretary Rabiul Islam Nayon, Senior Joint Convener M A Gaffar, Joint Convener Iqbal Hossain Bablu, former Jagannath University Chhatra Dal President Faisal Ahmed Sojol, and former Joint Convener Asifur Rahman Biplob.
For the position of general secretary, the most discussed names include former student leader and current Joint Convener Shah Md. Masum Billah, Joint Convener Mukit Hossain, former Dhaka Metropolitan East Chhatra Dal Convener Sheikh Khalid Hossain Jackie, Abhi Azad Chowdhury Nahid, and Rezaul Islam Prince.
Among grassroots activists, Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam is considered one of the most popular potential leaders due to his long-term involvement with the organization and active role in street politics. Regarding the issue, he said, “We will work in unity under the leadership of whoever Tarique Rahman considers most qualified.”
Meanwhile, Mamun Hasan has also emerged as a key figure in discussions. As a member of the BNP National Executive Committee and former acting president of Jubo Dal, he has remained active in street politics for many years. Despite facing more than a hundred political cases, he never distanced himself from the organization, which has earned him considerable acceptance among party activists.
Akramul Hasan Mintu is also viewed as a proven leader in political movements and struggles. As a former general secretary of Chhatra Dal, he played important roles in various political movements. Similarly, Shah Md. Masum Billah stated, “I spent 17 years on the streets fighting against authoritarian rule. I faced multiple cases and imprisonment. Nevertheless, we will work to implement whatever decision Tarique Rahman takes for building a new Bangladesh.”
Aspiring leaders say that if given responsibilities, they will work to organize the youth and contribute to building a new Bangladesh. They also pledged to work toward creating a drug-free, skilled, and employment-oriented youth society.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “BNP is now governing the country, so our responsibility to the people has increased further. Change is a continuous process for maintaining organizational dynamism. Committees whose terms have expired will gradually be restructured, and sacrificed and tested leaders will be given priority.”
Political observers believe that the new Jubo Dal committee will not only play a crucial role in organizational restructuring but will also significantly influence BNP’s future political strategies. Therefore, the formation of the committee has generated excitement, expectations, and political calculations within the party simultaneously.