Confusion clouds formation process

BNP leaders and workers are in the dark over the process of formation of party committees including national standing committee and central executive committee, as it is not clearly stated in the party constitution.
The party men even don't know whether the committees would be formed during or after the council. The council is only two days away.
Meanwhile division in the party rank and file is becoming obvious centring the post of secretary general; the chairperson is yet to discuss the issue with party's top-level leaders.
A number of leaders and party lawmakers said they are expecting a 'surprise appointment' to this vital post in the council.
The preparation for the national council slated for December 8 is now going on in full swing under the direct supervision of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Party Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday at a meeting with all the conveners of sub-committees, formed to make the national council a success, reviewed the progress of the council preparation.
The meeting was held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, the council venue.
According to the party constitution [amended till August 16, 2009 the national council will elect the members of standing committee and office bearers of the central executive committee.
As for the national executive committee and national standing committee, the constitution, however, said the chairperson will nominate officials of the executive committee and members of the standing committee.
While party's election commission chairman TH Khan said as per the party constitution election can be held for the post of chairperson and it is not possible to hold election for other posts including the post of secretary general.
He, however, hinted that amendments to the constitution might be brought so that election to other posts can be ensured. It can be implemented from the next council, he said.
When asked about the process of the formation of the central committee, a joint secretary general of the party said most officials of the central committee and members of the standing committee will be elected by the councillors.
The councillors can also authorise the chairperson to form the committees the way Awami League did it in their council, he said preferring not to be named.
Meanwhile the party is almost split up over the post of party secretary general; a section of party men are siding with Khandaker Delwar Hossain while an influential group is trying to convince the chairperson to pick another leader for the post.
Some influential leaders are lobbying for former minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, presently an important member of the standing committee, highest policy-making forum of the party.
Yet another faction of the party think that the party should pick a young leader as secretary general who will be able to reorganise the party across the country.
"In fact we need an organiser with good image and we believe the chairperson will pick the best one for the post," a senior leader of the party yesterday told The Daily Star but requested not to be named.
A party lawmaker, however, said the chairperson had not discussed the matter with anyone so far and that is why they think a "surprise appointment" might be made to the post of secretary general in the council.
Supporters loyal to Delwar are mounting pressure on the chairperson to re-appoint him considering his role during the military-backed caretaker government.