The move is seen as an attempt by BNP to strengthen and reinvigorate the organisation at a time when it is grappling with the apparent loss of control over the caretaker government following the resignation of President Iajuddin Ahmed from the post of the chief adviser, said sources.

Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Monday appointed Shamsul Islam, vice chairman of the party, and Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman, her defence adviser, as members of the National Standing Committee.

Khaleda is expected to appoint two more persons to fill the two remaining vacant posts, added the sources.

According to the party constitution, the BNP National Standing Committee can have a maximum of 15 members including the party chairperson. However, for several years, not all the posts have been filled.

Sources said, after the 1996 general election, the party chairperson released Majid Ul Haque and barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah from the committee while another powerful member of the committee, Mustafizur Rahman, died and was not replaced.

On October 27 last year, another standing committee member, Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, now executive president of Liberal Democratic Party, resigned from BNP. For some time before his resignation, he had not been attending the committee meetings.

Party sources said several senior leaders including former minister Nazmul Huda and immediate past prime minister's adviser Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury had been trying to gain a place on the committee without success. However, the two are still seen having a chance of being appointed to the remaining vacant posts.

The surprise appointments pleased party leaders. They believe that Mahbubur Rahman, former army chief, will be helpful to the party in the present political environment while Shamsul Islam played an important role for BNP during the Awami League government from 1996-2001.

In the meantime, top leaders of the BNP-led four-party alliance will sit today to discuss present political situation in the country, sources said.

The meeting will held at 7:00pm at Hawa Bhaban with the BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in the chair.

Party sources said, this would be the first meeting of the alliance after President Iajuddin Ahmed's resignation from the post of chief adviser on January 11 and imposing the state of emergency in the country.

ZIA'S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
BNP has planned an elaborate programme to celebrate the 71st birth anniversary of late President Ziaur Rahman on Friday, according to a party press release.

The programme includes placing wreaths and offering special munajat at the grave of Ziaur Rahman at 10:30am. Later, a milad mahfil will also be held on the mazar premises.

All district and upazila level party units will offer special prayers marking the day.

BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan urged party activists and leaders to celebrate the day with due respect.