Online Desk  :   The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is gearing up for a rare extended meeting Thursday—the first in over half a century dubbed “special” by the party. Yet, as the clock ticks down, leaders and activists remain clueless about the agenda, fuelling a frenzy of speculation about game-changing decisions on organisation and the upcoming elections.

What’s cooking at BNP’s big powwow? : BNP insiders admit no official word has trickled down about what’s on the table. Still, whispers suggest the party might skip its Seventh National Council session amid the current political flux. Instead, this “special” gathering could shake up key roles—think Secretary General or the elite National Standing Committee—while greenlighting candidates for the paddy sheaf symbol in 220-225 parliamentary seats. Word is, 75-80 seats might be earmarked for allies, with a nomination split favouring 80 per cent old guard, 20 per cent fresh faces—5 per cent bureaucrats, 30 per cent business tycoons, and 65 per cent seasoned politicos. Former MP Rehena Akhter Ranur told Jago News, “We’re in the dark so far. We’ll catch the vibe when Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman speaks at the opening.”  Joint Organising Secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu added, “In today’s climate, this meeting’s got political weight—though I can’t pin down the specifics.”Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi hinted at grassroots input shaping the party’s next moves. “We’ll hear what grassroots-level leaders think about the country and elections, then set organisational and political directives,” he said. Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku called it “very timely,” but stopped short of spilling details.

The logistics: A 5,000-strong showdown : The last executive committee extended meeting was a modest affair on February 4, 2018, at Le Meridien Hotel under Khaleda Zia’s watch.  Thursday’s event sprawling across the LD Hall and grounds of the Parliament Members Club, will host 5,000 leaders. Tarique Rahman joins virtually, with preparations in full swing: breakfast, lunch, and snacks lined up for a day-long marathon from 10:00am to night. Attendees include the National Standing Committee, Chairperson’s Advisory Council, National Executive Committee, district and metro leaders, and 2018 election nominees. Cards for entry were snapped up at Nayapaltan’s central office, signalling high anticipation. A slew of committees—led by heavyweights like Rizvi (implementation), Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie (management), and Habib Un-Nabi Khan Sohel (reception)—are keeping the gears turning. Media access? Tight—two reporters per newspaper, a photojournalist, TV crews, and online scribes get “media cards,” but multimedia folks are left hanging.

Rumours and rallying cries : After 15 years of “fascist misrule,” Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie told Jago News, organisational work stalled—until August 5 sparked a grassroots revival. “Tarique Rahman’s message will unite us—crucial for Bangladesh right now,” he predicted. Rizvi echoed the buzz: “Sub-committees are hustling, and leaders nationwide are pumped. This meeting’s poised to send a strong signal to the country and BNP.” With the agenda still a mystery, the party faithful are bracing for surprises—hoping this “special” tag delivers more than hype. Will it be a reshuffle, an election blueprint, or both? All eyes are on Thursday.