Leaders deprived of positions in the newly announced full central committee of the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal staged a sit-in and a protest march in front of the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, alleging that dedicated leaders who had actively participated in political movements and struggles were not properly evaluated in the committee. The protest program was held on Monday in front of the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, with nearly fifty leaders and activists taking part.

The protesters alleged that many leaders who remained active in Jubo Dal politics despite facing imprisonment, repression, lawsuits, attacks, and persecution during the Awami League government's tenure were excluded from the new full committee. Instead, they claimed that individuals close to the President and General Secretary were given important positions.

They further alleged that the committee prioritized “yes-men” rather than recognizing sacrifice and contributions, which has created frustration among grassroots leaders and activists. They warned that if the deprived leaders are not properly evaluated immediately, the organizational strength of Jubo Dal could be adversely affected.

It may be recalled that last Thursday, a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed announced the approval of the 151-member Central Executive Committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal. Abdul Monayem Munna was appointed President, while Nurul Islam Nayon was appointed General Secretary.

Rafiqul Islam, one of the deprived leaders, said, “Jubo Dal will provide the mainstream leadership of the BNP in the future. If dedicated leaders and activists are properly evaluated, the BNP will become stronger and more dynamic.”

Former Acting President of Dhaka College Chhatra Dal, H.M. Rashed, alleged that dedicated and active leaders were not properly evaluated in the recent committee. He demanded a reconsideration of the decision and drew the attention of the central leadership to the issue.

Former Vice President of the Central Committee of Chhatra Dal, Karim Pradhan Rony, said, “We appeal to Mr. Tarique Rahman to gather information regarding those of us who have been deprived of positions and to properly evaluate those who remained loyal to the party and actively participated in movements and struggles over the past 17 years.”

Former Vice President of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Humayun Kabir, said, “We were active on the streets during the Awami League’s authoritarian rule. Our sacrifices are no less than anyone else's. It is unjust that we were excluded from the committee. We seek justice from the party high command.”

Former Joint General Secretary of Chhatra Dal, Mizanur Rahman Sohag, said, “The full committee announced after such a long time has deprived dedicated and persecuted leaders. This is a pocket committee of the top leaders. It is extremely disappointing that even after enduring so much repression, the organization has failed to recognize our contributions.”

Former leaders of Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal from various levels were present at the program.

It is noteworthy that a partial committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal was announced on July 9, 2024. Although there was a directive to form the full committee within three months, the complete committee was announced nearly two years later.