BNP leader Mizanur Rahman Minu. Photo : Collected

RAJSHAHI, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - BNP leader Mizanur Rahman Minu has long been regarded by his supporters as a charismatic and people-oriented political figure whose career spans decades of local and national politics.

Known widely as "Minu Bhai," he built his reputation in Rajshahi through close engagement with grassroots communities. Supporters say his approachable manner and ability to connect with people across party lines, religions and social backgrounds have made him a familiar and trusted name in the region.

Minu first made history in 1991 when, at the age of 32, he was elected Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation through a direct vote, becoming the youngest mayor in the city's history. He went on to serve for 17 consecutive years and remains the longest-serving mayor of the corporation.

During his tenure, Rajshahi witnessed significant infrastructural development, expansion of educational institutions and improvements in civic services. Political associates credit him with contributing to the transformation of Rajshahi into a well-recognized education hub.

In 2001, while serving as mayor, Minu was elected as a Member of Parliament with what party leaders described as one of the highest vote margins in the country at the time. 

He later served in several key positions within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, including Central Organizing Secretary and Joint Secretary General. He also held leadership roles in the party's youth wing and district units.

Minu's political journey began during his student life at Rajshahi College, where he was elected Assistant Sports Secretary of the student union. In his early political years, he reportedly traveled by bicycle to organize party activities in remote areas. 

Over the decades, he faced multiple cases, attacks and imprisonment, experiences that his supporters say strengthened his resolve in politics.

After the founding of JAGODAL by Ziaur Rahman, Minu joined the organization, which later evolved into the BNP. He went on to become General Secretary and President of the Rajshahi district unit of Jubo Dal and later served as President of Rajshahi City BNP. Currently, he serves as an Adviser to the BNP Chairman.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Minu contested from the Rajshahi-2 constituency as a BNP-nominated candidate and won the seat, defeating his closest rival. During his campaign, he pledged to focus on education, employment generation and overall development of Rajshahi.

Following his victory in the February 12 election, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman appointed Minu as the Minister of the Land Ministry, one of the key ministries in the cabinet.

His appointment marks a notable moment for Rajshahi-2 (Sadar) constituency. The last time an elected MP from the constituency became a full minister was in 1979, when Emran Ali Sarkar joined the cabinet of then President Ziaur Rahman. After nearly five decades, the constituency once again has representation at the full ministerial level.

Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, BNP Central Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary and former Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, said Minu's organizational skills and leadership have played an important role in strengthening nationalist politics in the northern region.

Shafiqul Alam Samapta, Convener of Rajshahi District Krishak Dal, said that people from various political backgrounds feel comfortable approaching Minu with their concerns. According to him, Minu makes sincere efforts to address public problems and maintains strong ties with grassroots supporters.

Shariful Islam Jony, acting convener of the Rajshahi city unit of Jubo Dal, described Minu as the architect of modern Rajshahi and welcomed his appointment to the cabinet, expressing hope that he would continue contributing to the region's development.

With decades of political experience at both local and national levels, Mizanur Rahman Minu now takes on his new responsibilities as Land Minister amid high expectations from party leaders and constituents alike.