Bangladesh: BNP Weighs Candidates for President and Speaker as New Parliament Approaches

Fifteen days into the formation of the new government led by Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently engrossed in high-level deliberations regarding two of the state’s most significant constitutional roles: the Presidency and the Speaker of the National Parliament.

Party insiders suggest that the leadership is prioritizing experienced and politically acceptable figures for these top-tier positions. While several names of senior leaders and veteran lawyers are on the table, the timing of the presidential transition remains a point of debate.

The Race for the Presidency

According to reliable sources within the party, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a veteran member of the BNP’s policymaking body and a former minister, is the frontrunner for the presidency. While BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also mentioned in earlier discussions, Hossain's seniority and long-standing political career have placed him at the center of current deliberations.

However, a constitutional hurdle remains. Addressing the speculation, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Prothom Alo on Tuesday night:

"There are three or four individuals in the BNP capable of being President. But the question is, why discuss the presidential election now? According to the constitution, the current President's term has not yet expired."

Despite this, a faction within the BNP and some opposition voices argue that the President elected under the previous Sheikh Hasina administration should be replaced to reflect the new political reality.

Potential Candidates for Speaker

With the first session of the 13th National Parliament scheduled for March 12, the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is a top priority. Leading names for the Speaker's post include:

• Osman Faruk: Former Education Minister with significant parliamentary experience.

• Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad: Current Minister for Liberation War Affairs and a six-time elected MP known for his balanced personality.

• Zainul Abedin: A senior Supreme Court lawyer. Despite being a first-time MP, his deep expertise in constitutional law makes him a strong contender.

Mirza Fakhrul noted that several qualified leaders, including Abdul Moyeen Khan, are also being considered for the role.

Deputy Speaker and the Opposition

In a move toward political reconciliation, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced on Monday that the BNP intends to offer the Deputy Speaker position to the opposition, honoring a previous political understanding. The party has formally requested Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the main opposition in the current parliament, to propose a name for the post.

Constitutional Procedure

According to the Rules of Procedure, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be elected during the first sitting of a new parliament.

• Nomination: Proposals must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat at least one hour before the election.

• Voting: If multiple candidates are proposed, a division vote is held.

• Oath: The President administers the oath of office to the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

While the BNP holds a two-thirds majority in the 13th Parliament—ensuring their picks will likely clear any vote—the final decision rests with the party’s highest policymaking forum, which is expected to finalize the names shortly before the March 12 session.

In the context of the current political discussions in Bangladesh (March 2026), the process for removing a sitting President is strictly governed by Articles 52 and 53 of the Constitution. Because the BNP now holds a two-thirds majority in the 13th Parliament, they technically possess the numbers required to execute these processes, should they choose to do so.

Here is a summary of the two legal paths for replacement:

1. Impeachment (Article 52)

This is used for "grave misconduct" or "violating the Constitution."

• The Notice: A written notice of a motion must be signed by a majority (more than 50%) of the total members of Parliament and delivered to the Speaker. It must contain specific details of the charges.

• The Waiting Period: The motion cannot be debated earlier than 14 days or later than 30 days after the notice is delivered.

• The Investigation: Parliament can investigate the charges itself or refer the matter to a court or tribunal. The President has the right to appear and be represented during this process.

• The Vote: To remove the President, a resolution must be passed by not less than two-thirds of the total number of MPs. If passed, the President must vacate office immediately.

2. Removal on Grounds of Incapacity (Article 53)

This is used if the President is physically or mentally unable to perform their duties.

• The Notice: Similar to impeachment, a notice signed by a majority of MPs is delivered to the Speaker.

• Medical Board: The Speaker then calls for a resolution to constitute a Medical Board. The President is requested to submit to a medical examination within 10 days.

• The Vote: If the Medical Board confirms the incapacity, or if the President refuses the examination, Parliament can proceed to a vote.

• The Requirement: Like impeachment, a two-thirds majority is required to pass the removal resolution.

3. Resignation (Article 50)

The simplest way a President is replaced before their term ends is through voluntary resignation. Under Article 50(3), the President may resign by "writing under his hand addressed to the Speaker."

Summary Table for the 13th Parliament: