DHAKA: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is going to change its leadership to accelerate the activities of the party.

As part of the initiative, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia will appoint its Vice-chairman Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, also former Water Resources minister, as full-time secretary general replacing acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Such a rumor is rampantly floating among the party’s leaders and activists.

The rumor spread out among the leaders and activists of all levels when Chairperson Khaleda Zia gave Hafiz the charge of long-march towards Teesta on April 22, 23.

Some other names are also floating in the air as probable secretary general but the name of Major Hafiz is prominent.

A central BNP leader who recently visited UK told banglanews that Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman was looking for a competent candidate for the position of secretary general who was a real freedom fighter, healthy, acceptable to the party, courageous above all who has good terms with neighbouring India.

Chairperson wanted to select a person in the next council who has acceptability within the party and countrymen. Tarique Rahman also supported him, he added.

Several senior leaders also said it would be better for the party if Hafiz is selected as secretary general.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed earned fame as a Mohammedan footballer during his study in Dhaka University and included in Pakistan National Team in 1967. 

He joined as a commissioned officer in army in 1968 and took part in the liberation war of Bangladesh.

He was awarded ‘Birbikram’ for his courageous fight against Pakistan Army.

BDST: 1855 HRS, APR 29, 2014