Dhaka: A new committee for the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is anticipated to be announced shortly. The current committee, led by Rakibul Islam Rakib and Nasir Uddin Nasir, is nearing the end of its tenure.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the announcement of the new JCD committee is expected once BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman gives his final approval. On Thursday night, Rahman convened an urgent meeting with the top five leaders of JCD at his political office in Gulshan.
Following the meeting, Rakibul Islam Rakib and Nasir Uddin Nasir posted farewell messages on Facebook, indicating the conclusion of their leadership roles. Tarique Rahman, who serves as the organisational guide for JCD, has gathered potential candidates for the new leadership through secret ballots from the organisation’s top five leaders. He is set to finalise the new committee after a thorough review and verification process.
The meeting was attended by JCD President Rakib, General Secretary Nasir, Senior Vice-President Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya, Senior Joint General Secretary Shyamol Malum, and Organising Secretary Amanullah Aman. Rahman commended the outgoing leaders for their dedication during previous movements and urged them to pave the way for the next generation.
A JCD leader, speaking anonymously, revealed that the chairman requested their preferred candidates for the new leadership via secret ballots. “We informed him through secret ballots. After verifying these and all other matters, he may clear the new JCD committee any time,” the leader noted.
JCD has long been recognized as the vanguard of BNP, actively participating in street movements. In a Facebook post, outgoing President Rakib indicated the end of his tenure, expressing a desire to allow the new generation to take up leadership roles.
Rakib expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to lead JCD, acknowledged his mistakes, and hoped for a warm reception for the upcoming committee. Nasir, in his farewell message, reflected on the challenges and achievements during their tenure, stating that a significant chapter was coming to an end.
Rakib and Nasir have led the JCD central committee since March 1, 2024, operating in a challenging political environment. Under their leadership, JCD achieved a record number of new organisational units and played a pivotal role in various street programmes.
The prospect of a new committee has sparked enthusiasm among aspiring leaders. Amanullah Aman is considered a strong contender for the JCD president position due to his active involvement in movements and acceptance among young activists. Other potential candidates for the presidency include Shemol Malum, Khorshed Alam Sohel, Monjurul Alam Riad, Riyad Rahman, Safi Islam, and Ejajul Kabir Ruel.
For the general secretary post, candidates include Ganesh Chandra Roy Shahos, Tarikul Islam Tarik, Anisur Rahman Khandaker Anik, and Masum Billah, among others. Saleh Mohammad Adnan, known for his role in anti-government movements, is also a contender.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi confirmed discussions with the outgoing committee, stating that any final decisions would be communicated through a press release. The announcement of the new committee will officially mark the transition of leadership within JCD, ushering in a new era for the organisation.