Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has emerged as the most widely discussed name for the post of Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), with a significant section of party leaders and activists viewing him as difficult to replace because of his long-standing contact with grassroots workers, loyalty to the party and experience in organisational activities.
According to party insiders, the BNP needs a leader who has a firsthand understanding of the political realities at the village, union, upazila, thana and district levels, as well as a strong connection with grassroots activists. In this regard, they believe Rizvi would be difficult to replace.
During the BNP's prolonged political crises and periods of adversity, Rizvi has played an important role in maintaining communication between the party's central leadership and its grassroots activists. Particularly over the past 17 years, he has remained involved in party programmes, political movements and organisational activities, even amid arrests, lawsuits and attacks against party leaders and activists.
Rizvi has also maintained a continuous presence at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, spending years there and remaining in close contact with party workers. This has helped establish a distinct level of acceptance for him among many grassroots leaders and activists.
Party sources said Rizvi played a significant role in coordinating party activities at the central level when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was seriously ill and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was living in London. He was involved in maintaining contact with leaders and activists at different levels, communicating instructions regarding political programmes and attempting to stand by party workers during difficult periods.
His prolonged involvement in such activities has contributed to a positive assessment of his organisational experience and capabilities within the party, according to BNP insiders.
A section of BNP leaders and activists believe that the party needs a Secretary General capable of communicating decisions from the central leadership to the grassroots while also conveying the realities and concerns of grassroots activists to the central leadership.
They argue that Rizvi's extensive political experience and longstanding communication with grassroots-level leaders could play an important role in addressing the BNP's current and future organisational challenges.
Besides Rizvi, the names of several other senior BNP leaders are also being discussed in different quarters for the post of Secretary General. However, there is growing speculation within the party that Rizvi could eventually be given the responsibility of Acting Secretary General, depending on the party's organisational needs, his capabilities and the confidence of the top leadership.
No official decision or announcement has been made by the BNP so far. Therefore, the matter cannot be considered final until a formal decision is announced by the party's top leadership.
Political observers say Rizvi's role in navigating years of political adversity has helped establish him as an important figure within the BNP. His consistent presence during political movements, communication with party leaders and activists, and active role in implementing party decisions are considered important aspects of his political experience.
Against the backdrop of discussions over possible changes in the BNP's organisational leadership, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi's name remains at the centre of speculation over the Secretary General post. A significant section of party leaders and activists believe that his longstanding loyalty to the party leadership, active involvement in organisational activities and strong grassroots connections put him ahead of several other potential candidates. However, the final decision rests with the BNP's top leadership.