Chhatra Dal's New Committee Nears, Names in Discussion

The current president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) have already hinted at farewell messages through their social media posts. The announcement of the new Chhatra Dal committee could come at any time. It is learned that the organization's top leadership is gathering information on active grassroots leaders as part of the process of selecting new leadership.

These details were learned from special sources and conversations with several Chhatra Dal leaders and activists.

According to relevant sources, several issues are being prioritized in the formation of the new Chhatra Dal committee. These include strengthening organizational activities at the grassroots level, politically countering Islami Chhatra Shibir, and making Chhatra Dal stronger in preparation for potential political developments.

Sources claim that the BNP's top leadership has discussed the need to increase Chhatra Dal's organizational capabilities amid rumors of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's return to the country. For this reason, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed interest in making Chhatra Dal more active and stronger through new leadership.

Members of the organization view the collection of information about active grassroots leaders from the current central committee's "Super Five" leaders as part of preparations for forming the new committee.

Those in Discussion for the President's Post

According to sources within the Chhatra Dal's central committee, discussions about dissolving the committee are now at their peak among activists. It has been reported that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman himself has taken special initiatives to monitor potential candidates.

Several names have already emerged as leading contenders for the president's post. They include current central committee Vice President Ijazul Kabir Ruel.

Ruel is a long-serving and dedicated student leader who has been active on the streets. He is reportedly popular among Chhatra Dal members, many of whom want to see him become president. Ruel's name has recently been heard among senior BNP leaders. Many hope that, because of his qualifications, Ruel may take charge of Chhatra Dal.

Central committee Vice President Manjurul Alam Riyad is also being discussed. Riyad has remained active in both politics and street movements.

Another name being mentioned for the position is Vice President H.M. Abu Zafar. Many also want to see Zafar become president. He has reportedly remained active on the streets and made significant sacrifices for the organization in the past.

In addition, Chhatra Dal Organizing Secretary Aman Ullah Aman is considered one of the leading names in the discussion for president.

Aman was reportedly subjected to extensive harassment by police and Chhatra League members during the previous government. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is aware of Aman's sacrifices and reportedly favors him.

Aman spent a considerable amount of time in jail because of his involvement with Chhatra Dal. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has also reportedly become emotional while discussing Aman's sacrifices. Party sources have confirmed that he, too, wants dedicated student leaders like Aman to be placed in suitable positions.

Among the other potential candidates being discussed for president is current central committee Joint General Secretary Mostafizur Rahman.

Mostafizur Rahman contested the Vice President (VP) position in the 2019 Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election as a Chhatra Dal candidate.

In 2019, Mostafizur Rahman was arrested in what was described as false cases filed by supporters of the Awami League. Police reportedly subjected him to significant abuse at the time.

A large section of the grassroots reportedly wants this student leader, who has remained active on the streets for a long time, to take on a leadership role.

Vice Presidents Shafi Islam and Khorshed Alam Sohel are also being discussed. They are known in various circles as active and persecuted student leaders who have participated in street movements.

Those in Discussion for the General Secretary's Post

Several names are also being discussed for the position of general secretary of the Chhatra Dal central committee.

They include Dhaka University Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary and former president of Surya Sen Hall, Shamim Akter Shuvo; Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Faruk Hossain; Central Committee Joint General Secretary Mominul Islam Jisan; Publicity Secretary Sharif Pradhan Shuvo; and Md. Tarikul Islam Tarik.

Other names include Central Committee Joint General Secretary Saleh Md. Adnan; Dhaka University Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas; DU Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon; Central Committee Joint Secretary Masum Billah; and Literature and Publication Secretary Minhaj Ahmed Prince.

According to grassroots leaders, Jisan and Faruk's names are among those being discussed most prominently in various circles.

Jisan and Faruk reportedly played significant roles in the movement that led to the fall of the government on August 5.

Publicity Secretary Sharif Pradhan Shuvo is also being discussed for the position. Many consider Shuvo qualified for the role.