Published : 13 Aug 2026, 02:31 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:32 AM
Who will be Bangladesh’s next president? One name is dominating political discussion, but the ruling BNP is keeping everyone waiting until Thursday afternoon for an official answer.
Several members of the party’s National Standing Committee told bdnews24.com that the presidential candidate would be finalised at a meeting with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat at noon on Thursday.
Once the candidate gives consent, the nomination papers will be signed by the proposer and seconder and submitted to the Election Commission.
At a meeting on Aug 10, the BNP Standing Committee entrusted Tarique with selecting the party’s candidate for the presidency. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the decision to reporters after the meeting.
One Standing Committee member said, “We will learn the name of the presidential candidate at the meeting with the chairman.”
“The prospective candidate will sign the papers at that meeting, and a delegation will then be sent to the Election Commission to submit the nomination form with the signatures of the proposer and seconder.”
Mirza Fakhrul, who is also the local government minister, has emerged as the most widely discussed potential BNP candidate in political circles.
But as of Wednesday, the party had not formally confirmed his nomination.
Under the election schedule, nomination papers must be submitted on Thursday, Aug 13. Scrutiny will take place on Aug 16, while Aug 18 is the deadline for withdrawing candidacy.
Voting is scheduled for Aug 20.
The 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has already named Liberal Democratic Party President Oli Ahmad as its candidate. He is also due to submit his nomination papers on Thursday.
A Presidential Contest After 35 Years
With more than one candidate entering the race, Bangladesh is set to hold a contested presidential election for the first time in 35 years.
Members of parliament will cast their votes in the chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad on Aug 20.
The BNP holds a two-thirds majority in parliament, meaning its nominee is set to be elected president.
As a result, once the party reveals its candidate, it will effectively become clear who is likely to become Bangladesh’s 23rd president and move into Bangabhaban.
A leader of the Jamaat-led alliance said Oli Ahmad had been nominated to create the opportunity for a contested election rather than allowing the president to be chosen unopposed.
Why the Presidency Became Vacant
President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on Jul 24, citing ill health.
He had taken office as Bangladesh’s 22nd president on Apr 24, 2023, but left Bangabhaban before completing his term.
Under Article 54 of the Constitution, Speaker M Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has been carrying out the functions of president since Shahabuddin’s resignation.
He will continue in that role until a new president is elected.
