Expressing resentment over the appointment, several leaders said they think it will strengthen the negative image of the party that BNP leadership never exercise democratic practices in conducting the party.

BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan told The Daily Star on Monday that Sayeed Iskandar was made a vice-president on January 10 but they could not disclose the matter formally due to imposition of a ban on politics following declaration of emergency on January 11.

Khaleda Zia, who has decided to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, made her brother, who is a 'much junior' leader in BNP politics, a party vice president only to ensure her control when she stays abroad, said several party leaders.

"According to the party constitution, the party chief could appoint anyone a party vice chairman," Major General (retd) ZA Khan, adviser to the BNP chairperson, told The Daily Star yesterday.

Khaleda Zia will return home just after performing Umrah if she goes to Saudi Arabia, he added.

Earlier, Sayeed Iskandar, who is also a former BNP lawmaker, told the reporters that Khaleda asked for collecting visa to go to Saudi Arabia.

BNP vice presidents Nazmul Huda and Tariqul Islam, who were most active among 15 vice presidents of the party, are now in jail on charge of corruption while corruption allegations have also risen against a few other vice presidents.

As some others, not being active enough in party activities, might not have acceptability to the party leaders and workers, Khaleda made Sayeed Iskandar a vice president who might take charge of the party in her absence if she is finally forced to stay abroad, sources said.

Most of the party leaders think the decision is a wrong one as there is tremendous pressure to bring reforms in the party and it is the 'right time' to begin democratic practice in the party.

Even they fear a possible split in the party if Khaleda nominates Sayeed Iskandar as the acting chairperson of the party.