The BNP is likely to decide this week on the schedule for its long-awaited national council as the party seeks to reorganise its structure and strengthen its grassroots network.

The issue will be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting of the BNP Standing Committee chaired by the party’s Chairman Tarique Rahman, The Daily Star has learnt from people with knowledge of the matter. The meeting will discuss the council timeline and assess the party’s readiness to hold it.

The BNP last held its national council after a gap of a little over six years on March 19, 2016, when Khaleda Zia was the party chairperson and Tarique served as senior vice-chairman.

The party charter says a council should be held every three years to elect or approve different committees, which also have three-year terms. That means the council is overdue by several years.

Party leaders attributed the delay to political restrictions, legal cases, arrests and organisational challenges during the Awami League government.

But a fresh push is coming now as the party’s grassroots activities have become directionless after its top leaders were absorbed into the government in February. The council is seen as an opportunity to create a leadership structure beyond ministers and lawmakers.

BNP National Council approves party policies, elects key committees, amends the charter and discusses major organisational issues, according to its charter.

The meeting will also discuss local polls preparations, opposition activities, power and energy concerns, and other current issues.

Holding the council before the local government elections would benefit the party, said BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince.

“After the national election, ministers and MPs have become busy with their work. At the same time, many of them also hold party positions. The situation is similar from district-level leaders to the central leadership. Considering this, the council will play an important role in moving the party forward.”

Discussions are going on to promote people who can take the party forward, he added.

Finalising the schedule for the national council remains a challenge as the reorganisation of several district-level units is yet to be completed and local elections are approaching, said senior BNP leaders.

As many as 72 of the BNP’s 82 district and city committees have already expired, according to the party’s Nayapaltan central office.

Before the council, the BNP wants to reorganise grassroots units by completing partial committees, replacing expired bodies and forming full committees through district councils.

The post of secretary general is expected to be one of the key issues at the next council.

After Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stepped down following his election as president, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has been serving as the acting secretary general.

Rizvi’s name is being strongly considered for the full secretary general position due to his long involvement in organisational activities, party office management and political programmes.

He is less tied-up than senior BNP leaders as he is not a lawmaker. He currently holds the post of adviser to the prime minister.

Rizvi will be able to devote more time to organisational activities. His experience in coordinating party activities during difficult periods makes him a suitable candidate for the post, they added.

Meanwhile, alongside the national council, the BNP is discussing the restructuring of its affiliated and associate organisations.

The terms of nine of the 11 committees have expired, according to the party office, creating difficulties in maintaining regular political activities.

The party had earlier announced plans to reorganise expired committees, including bringing regular students into Chhatra Dal leadership.

The BNP is considering promoting leaders who remained active during its years out of power and maintained the organisation.

Leaders including Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Rakibul Islam Bakul and Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu are likely to receive greater responsibilities.

The party is also considering bringing former and current leaders of affiliated organisations, including Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, into important positions in the central leadership.