The 5th National Council
The party has been receiving criticism for getting behind at the race with other major parties in maintenance of democracy as it was through a long pause of holding no council. However, after sanctions by the Election Commission, the party held country-wide events for local leaders to play an active role in the national party.
The council has been criticized by many for empowering re-elected party chairperson Khaleda Zia to pick other members for the National Executive Committee and Standing Committee, ignoring the party charter that stipulates election to the posts. Moreover, the BNP National Council elected Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman as a powerful Senior Vice-Chairman in a move apparently designed to smooth his path to the party helm.
The final stage of the effort, the 5th National Council, took place at Bangladesh-China Friendship International Convention Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka on 8 December 2009. The event was planned to assure the presence of a large number of party leaders representing the entire country from all regional levels.
Invitees also included observers and other guests of at least 60 countries, local and foreign journalists, and representatives from other political parties and organizations.
Read more about this topic: Bangladesh Nationalist Party
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