Dhaka, February 16: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a significant victory in the 13th parliamentary election, taking control of the government. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will lead the party, but discussions are underway regarding who will be the next president. Various names are circulating on social media and local news outlets.
According to a source from the BNP, the prominent Bangla newspaper Prothom Alo reported that standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is a leading candidate for the presidency. Another name in the mix is Nazrul Islam Khan, also a member of the BNP’s standing committee.
Additionally, Bangladeshi news outlet Ekhan TV has mentioned that alongside Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Abdul Moin Khan are also considered potential presidential candidates.
However, Prothom Alo cited multiple BNP sources indicating a stronger inclination towards Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. Under the leadership of President Tarique Rahman, the BNP won 209 seats in the recent elections, with newly elected members set to take their oaths on Tuesday, followed by cabinet members.
Reports suggest that internal discussions are also taking place regarding cabinet formation. While many ministerial appointments are nearly finalized, the party is deliberating on the election of the next president.
Current President Mohammad Shahabuddin may resign following the formation of the new government. In an interview with an international media outlet in December 2025, he expressed his intention to step down. Nominated by the Awami League, he was elected unopposed at the age of 75 in 2023. Shahabuddin’s five-year term extends until April 2028; however, his recent statements suggest he may not remain in office until then.
For the BNP, which has secured 209 seats, the presidential election is reportedly a mere formality. According to the constitution, members of parliament will elect the new president through voting.
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