Dhaka, July 24 (V7N)- Political discussions have intensified over who will become Bangladesh's next President after the resignation of Md. Shahabuddin and the appointment of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed as Acting President.
According to BNP leaders, the party leadership intends to nominate a candidate for the presidency from within its own ranks. However, they said a final decision will be taken after discussions at the party's policymaking forum.
Senior party leaders said the next President should be a widely acceptable, trustworthy and morally respected individual who enjoys the confidence of the party.
Under the existing constitutional framework, the President is elected by the members of Parliament. As the Constitution has not yet been amended, the election will be conducted under the current system in which the 350 members of Parliament cast their votes. With the BNP holding a parliamentary majority, its nominated candidate is widely expected to secure the presidency.
Several senior BNP leaders are being discussed as possible candidates for the post. Among those frequently mentioned are Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr. Moin Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy.
The names of Speaker and Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, as well as BNP Vice Chairman and former Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, have also surfaced in political discussions. However, many BNP leaders believe the presidency should be entrusted to a senior political leader from within the party.
Speaking on the issue, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the Constitution clearly outlines the process for electing the President and that the BNP's nominee would naturally be elected because of the party's parliamentary majority.
BNP Chairperson's Adviser Moazzem Hossain Alal also said the next President should be a loyal and experienced party leader who upholds the ideals of the party's leadership. He argued that selecting a seasoned politician would help maintain political balance, mutual respect and democratic norms.
Meanwhile, Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the Constitution provides that the Speaker will continue serving as Acting President until a new President is elected. He added that the BNP would determine its nominee through internal discussions before completing the constitutional and Election Commission procedures for the presidential election.
Despite the growing speculation, political observers note that broader political and geopolitical considerations could still influence the final choice. The BNP's Standing Committee, led by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is expected to make the final decision on the party's presidential nominee in the coming days.
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