Following the 13th national parliamentary election, the BNP-led alliance, headed by Tarique Rahman, has formed the government after securing a parliamentary majority. With the cabinet now in place, discussions are underway within the party regarding appointments to key parliamentary positions, including the President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Leader of the House, Chief Whip, and Whip. The parliamentary session, convened by the President, is scheduled to begin on March 12.
Party sources indicate that after forming the cabinet, the BNP is placing particular emphasis on restructuring the parliamentary leadership.
President Post: Four Top Leaders in Contention
Several senior BNP leaders are reportedly being considered for the President post. These include the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Dr Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Selima Rahman.
Analysts suggest that Tarique Rahman may introduce a political surprise by nominating Selima Rahman, potentially making her the country’s first female President. Such a move could send a positive message internationally about women’s leadership in Bangladesh.
There is also consideration for appointing someone from outside the party, such as former Chairman of the University Grants Commission and former Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor SMA Faiz, or former Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mahbub Ullah. Retired bureaucrats or military chiefs are reportedly under discussion as well.
Parliamentary Session and Speaker Appointments
After taking oath as a Member of Parliament on February 17, Tarique Rahman was elected as parliamentary leader and Prime Minister by the BNP alliance. According to the Constitution, a parliamentary session must be convened within 30 days of official election results.
On Sunday, Minister of Home Affairs and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that the session will commence on March 12. During this session, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected, ordinances issued by the caretaker government will be presented, condolence motions will be raised, and the President’s speech will be delivered.
Under the Constitution and parliamentary procedure, the previous Speaker or Deputy Speaker would normally preside over the inaugural session. In their absence, any senior leader may assume the role, according to legal experts.
Names in the Running for Speaker and Deputy Speaker
For the Speaker position, names being discussed include Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moin Khan, Vice Chairman M Osman Faruk, and Vice Chairman Advocate Zainul Abedin.
For Deputy Speaker, names under consideration include BNP Chairperson’s adviser Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Barrister Andalib Rahman Partho, and Ashraf Uddin Nizan.
The BNP’s election manifesto also promised the creation of a Vice President post, as well as the nomination of a Deputy Speaker from outside the ruling party in a bicameral legislature.
Deputy Leader of the House, Chief Whip, and Whip Candidates
For the Deputy Leader of the House, Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy is reportedly under consideration. Potential candidates for Chief Whip include Vice Chairmen Barkatullah Bulu, Zainul Abedin Faruk, and Nurul Islam Monir.
Contenders for the Whip position reportedly include Executive Committee member Barrister Nowshad Jamir, Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Sylhet-6 MP Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Dr Reza Kibria, Information and Research Secretary Azizul Bari Helal, and Co-Organising Secretary Selimuzzaman Selim.
Party leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that important parliamentary posts will be allocated gradually based on experience and seniority.
Mahfuz Kabir Mukta, President of Jatiyatabadi Prachar Dal, a wing of BNP, said, “The party will evaluate each position carefully, considering integrity, capability, and experience. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasised that even the last person in a procession is valued.”
When asked about appointments from the Whip to the President, BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince told Jago News, “These are decisions at the state’s policymaking level. Such decisions will be taken by the party’s highest forum. Media speculation is mainly conjecture. The public expects decisions to reflect past experience and political wisdom, and we want those expectations met.”
BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan added, “These positions will be decided by the Honorable Leader of Parliament. Once decided, we will inform you.”