Mirza Fakhrul Likely to Be Next President

Speculation over the next president has intensified following the resignation of Md Shahabuddin. The Election Commission has set August 20 for the presidential election, while the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has already announced its candidate. The main focus, however, is on whom the ruling BNP will nominate. Discussions have been underway inside and outside the party, with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman consulting members of the party’s Standing Committee individually.

Several names have emerged, including BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Dr Abdul Moin Khan. Among them, Mirza Fakhrul’s name has received the most attention. Several BNP sources said he is almost certain to be the party’s choice for president, with Dr Moin Khan considered the second option.

The uncertainty is expected to end today. Tarique Rahman has called a meeting with Standing Committee members, after which the party is expected to officially announce its presidential candidate. According to the election schedule, nomination papers will be submitted on August 13 from 10am to 4pm at the office of the Election Officer. The papers will be scrutinised on August 16 from 10am at the Election Commission building. The deadline for withdrawing candidacy is August 18 at 4pm. Voting is scheduled for August 20 from 2pm to 5pm in the Parliament session room.

According to BNP sources, discussions over the presidential candidate began soon after Md Shahabuddin resigned. At a Standing Committee meeting, members assigned Tarique Rahman the responsibility of selecting the party’s candidate. He subsequently contacted Standing Committee members individually to seek their views on potential candidates. Most mentioned Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abdul Moin Khan and Nazrul Islam Khan.

Mirza Fakhrul is considered ahead because of his long leadership of the party during its political struggle, his role in keeping the party, its leaders and activists united under pressure, and his acceptance both at home and abroad. Party leaders are also considering the political role the president may have to play during the next national election, which is expected to be held under a caretaker government. According to BNP sources, these factors have strengthened Mirza Fakhrul’s position.

If Mirza Fakhrul is nominated and elected president, the position of BNP Secretary General will become vacant, requiring another important leadership decision. Several names are already being discussed, including Standing Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Chairman’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel.

According to the BNP constitution, if the Secretary General’s post becomes vacant, the Senior Joint Secretary General can serve as Acting Secretary General. This happened after BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain died on March 16, 2011. Senior Joint Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul then took charge as Acting Secretary General on March 20.

BNP leaders said the party could appoint an Acting Secretary General if Mirza Fakhrul becomes president. The chairman may also assign the responsibility to another leader, subject to subsequent approval by the Standing Committee. Several Standing Committee members said Tarique Rahman has already discussed the presidential nomination with them. However, no formal discussion has yet taken place on the next Secretary General because that decision depends on who is selected as president.

Party leaders and activists have nevertheless started discussing possible candidates. Salahuddin Ahmed, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel are among the names being considered. According to party sources, Tarique Rahman will ultimately decide who receives the Secretary General’s responsibility. Factors likely to be considered include leadership during past political movements, commitment to the party, loyalty to the Zia family and close relations with party leaders and activists.