NewKerala.com

BNP Eyes Presidency as Tarique Rahman Prepares to Become Bangladesh PM

Following its decisive election victory, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has begun internal discussions to select the country's next President. Party sources indicate Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is the leading candidate, with other senior leaders also under consideration. Current President Mohammad Shahabuddin has signaled his intention to resign after the new government is formed. The BNP, led by Chairman Tarique Rahman who is set to become Prime Minister, must now navigate forming a cabinet and addressing national challenges including growing unrest.

Key Points: Bangladesh BNP Discusses Next President Ahead of PM Oath

  • BNP begins presidential selection
  • Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is frontrunner
  • Tarique Rahman to take oath as Prime Minister
  • Nation faces challenge of unrest and extremism
2 min read

Bangladesh: BNP begins discussions on next President as Tarique Rahman set to take oath as PM

With Tarique Rahman set to be PM, BNP considers presidential candidates like Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain as President Shahabuddin may resign.

"the party is leaning heavily towards Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain - Prothom Alo"

Dhaka, Feb 16

With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party set to form the next government in Bangladesh following a decisive victory in the 13th Parliamentary election, discussions have already begun over who will be the next President of the country, with various names circulating on social media and in local media outlets.

Citing a source within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh's leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported that Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is being considered for the presidency.

The name of another BNP Standing Committee member, Nazrul Islam Khan, has also surfaced in discussions.

Additionally, Bangladeshi news outlet Ekhon TV reported that, along with Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Abdul Moyeen Khan are also considered potential Presidential candidates.

However, Porthom Alo cited multiple BNP sources indicating that the party is leaning heavily towards Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.

Led by Chairman Tarique Rahman, the BNP secured 209 seats in the 13th Parliamentary election, and newly elected members of parliament are scheduled to take the oath on Tuesday, followed by the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet members late afternoon.

Reports suggest that internal discussions regarding the formation of the cabinet are also being held in the BNP meetings. While several ministerial appointments have nearly been finalised, the party is also deliberating on the appointment of the next President.

The current president of Bangladesh, Mohammad Shahabuddin, may resign following the formation of the new government. In an interview with an international news outlet in December 2025, he indicated his intention to step down.

Nominated by the Bangladesh Awami League and elected unopposed in 2023 at the age of 75. Shahabuddin's five-year tenure extends until April 2028; however, his remarks suggested that he is unlikely to remain in office until then.

For the BNP, which secured 209 seats, the presidential election is reportedly a formality, with members of parliament set to elect the new President through voting.

With Rahman set to lead Bangladesh -- experts warn that the nation faces a massive challenge of overcoming the growing unrest and rising Islamist extremism that marked the 18-month tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The report mentions the challenge of Islamist extremism. This is a serious concern not just for Bangladesh but has spillover effects. The new government must take strong, decisive action. Wishing our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters a peaceful tenure ahead.
V
Vikram M
209 seats is a massive mandate. Tarique Rahman has a real chance to shape the country's future. The President's role is largely ceremonial, but choosing a respected figure like Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain could help unify the nation. Let's see how cabinet formation goes.
S
Sarah B
While I wish Bangladesh well, I hope the media coverage remains balanced. The article says the presidential election is a "formality" for the BNP. A healthy democracy needs strong opposition and checks on power, not just formalities. A respectful critique from an observer.
R
Rohit P
Good to see a smooth transition of power. Political stability in our neighborhood is very important for trade and security. Hope the new PM and President work on strengthening India-Bangladesh ties further. There's so much potential for collaboration in tech and infrastructure.
N
Nisha Z
The interim government period seems to have been quite turbulent. The number one priority for the new leadership should be the safety and economic security of the common people. Everything else follows from that. Fingers crossed for a better chapter. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50