There is growing dissatisfaction among grassroots leaders and activists regarding the appointment of the new Member Secretary of the BNP’s convening committee in Moulvibazar district. Activists have expressed their reactions through social media and other channels, sharing multiple photos of the appointed Member Secretary, Mohammad Abdur Rahim Ripon, showing his association with local Awami League leaders and workers.

Meanwhile, in protest of Ripon’s appointment, 22 members of the convening committee are reportedly preparing a written complaint to the Acting Chairperson, according to a reliable source.

On December 31, the BNP Central Executive Committee’s Senior Joint Secretary General, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, signed a letter appointing Mohammad Abdur Rahim Ripon as the Member Secretary. Following the announcement, grassroots activists expressed mixed reactions, with some making Ripon’s photos with Awami League leaders viral on social media. Ripon’s younger brother, Abdur Razzak Jewel, was previously the General Secretary of the banned organization Dhaka Uttara (West) Chhatra League.

In November, the BNP Central Committee announced a 32-member convening committee for Moulvibazar district, listing Mohammad Abdur Rahim Ripon as the fifth member.

Speaking about his appointment, Ripon said, “I have been active in every movement and protest in the past. Particularly since October 28, I have participated in every program. The party has recognized my dedicated work. Some individuals are unable to accept this and are trying to tarnish my reputation politically. When the convening committee was formed in November, I was among the top five, but no one objected then. It’s only after I was appointed Member Secretary that a few individuals have started opposing me.”

Former District BNP General Secretary and current member of the convening committee, Mizanur Rahman, commented, “During the oppressive rule of the Awami League, when we couldn’t even stay in our homes, we didn’t find Mohammad Abdur Rahim Ripon involved in the movements. He was appointed Member Secretary by misleading central leaders. There are many dedicated leaders in Moulvibazar who could have been chosen. Ripon hasn’t been involved with Moulvibazar Chhatra Dal or Jubo Dal and isn’t connected with grassroots activists.”

District BNP Convener Fayzul Karim Mayun remarked, “I have also heard and seen reports of the appointed Member Secretary’s ties with Awami League leaders. However, the truth of these claims needs to be verified. When asked whether Ripon participated in the anti-government movements during the Awami League’s regime, Mayun responded, “He was present at some events but not consistently.”