The ruling Awami League (AL) is all set to hold its 22nd national council on Sunday, with party sources hinting at no change to the top leadership.
This means Sheikh Hasina stays at the party’s helm and this is just a matter of formal announcement on the council day.
Even AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader clarified the matter on Thursday, saying, "Only the president of Awami League Sheikh Hasina is essential for the party. There is none who will not support her."
But the party’s second most crucial post -- general secretary or GS – will see a massive contest among contenders serving the party for ages now.
It is rumoured that Quader is expecting a third term, with many believing the premier wants him to continue further. This has been the talk of the town in the country’s political arena, not just within the party per se.
In December 2019 when the last AL council was held, there were also speculations over the role. However, he retained the post.
However, in the forthcoming fray, there are also some heavyweight names: Dr Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Hasan Mahmud, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Kazi Zafar Ullah and Dr Dipu Moni.
But none of them knows what lies ahead as the party chief will herself pick the general secretary.
The triennial council will be held at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.
It will be on a single day having two sessions with a break for lunch and prayers between the two sessions.
The new committee will be formed as per the opinions of 7,000 councillors of the party.
Quader leads the race?
The party has already formed an election commission. However, considering the previous councils, it can be concluded that the leaders are hardly elected.
There are three tiers in the Awami League central committee; firstly, presidium members; secondly, secretaries and thirdly, executive members.
The GS is the head of secretaries. Hence, it is obvious that the party supremo’s green light will settle down the matter.
Senior leader Amir Hossain Amu hinted that Quader may retain the role.
Talking to a daily of late, he said that there may be minor changes in the upcoming council.
“There will be no change in the post of the party chief. And that’s why interest grows centering the GS’ post,” he added.
AL Presidium Member Shajahan Khan, too, thinks so. On Wednesday, he said Quader may become the GS again.
In fact, Quader himself is confident about serving another term in a row.
Noting that there is no possibility of many change in the committee in the council, he on Thursday said that there might be a major reshuffle in the next council.
"I am not thinking of major changes for now. But everything will depend on the opinion of the decision-makers or councilors. I don't want to say anything in advance," Quader said.
"There are at least 10 candidates for the post of general secretary, who are eligible to become general secretary. The second session of the council will reflect the desire of the president of AL. This year's committee is active and it does not seem that no one will be left out. There may be changes in the next council," he added.
