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.