All eyes on veteran BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf for the presidency

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has begun a new journey by returning to state power after two decades. Party chairman Tarique Rahman has sworn in as the country's prime minister and announced a 50-member cabinet—which includes senior leaders as well as a large portion of the party's middle class and newcomers.

Most of the members of the BNP's standing committee have been appointed to important government positions, including the cabinet. However, veteran leader Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is still outside the government. He has experience in handling important ministries, including health, in Khaleda Zia's two-term cabinet. As a former professor of Dhaka University, his sense of moderation is on everyone's lips in the party. He is respected by everyone.

Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf was also elected as a member of parliament in the last thirteenth parliamentary election. As a result, many of the leaders and activists, as well as the conscious public of the society, are now looking at him. There is great curiosity among the public about where this senior leader is included. Discussions have spread that Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain may be elected President.

Sources say that many party leaders and activists went to the leader's house and congratulated him in advance. Many people congratulated Khandaker Mosharraf on the telephone as a possible President.

However, people close to this leader told Jugantar that in the situation created after the formation of the cabinet, they believe that this senior leader will be kept in a respectable position in the government.

However, the well-wishers of this leader said that they have no information about this. They also mentioned to the workers and supporters that they do not know anything. It has been found that this senior leader is currently staying at his Gulshan residence.

Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain has been elected as a member of parliament five times from Comilla-1 and 2 constituencies. People close to him also believe that the party may appoint him to the respectable position of President considering his age and physical condition.

Dr. Mosharraf Hossain told the media in this regard, "I will try to fulfill any responsibility that BNP gives me with sincerity."

The highest constitutional position in Bangladesh is the President. According to the constitution, a president has a term of five years. He can serve a maximum of two terms. President Md. Shahabuddin took office during the tenure of the ousted Sheikh Hasina government. His term is until April 2028. Although in October 2024, the leaders and activists of the anti-discrimination student movement held a strong movement demanding the resignation of the President. However, in the end, he was not removed or resigned.

However, in an interview given to the news agency Reuters on WhatsApp last December, President Md. Shahabuddin said that he wanted to step down after the February elections. Because, he 'felt humiliated' during the tenure of the interim government. There, he said, 'I want to step down, I am interested in stepping down. I am fulfilling my duties as the constitutional President.’

How the new President is elected: According to Article 50 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the President shall serve for five years from the date of assuming office. No person shall hold the office of President more than twice. The office of President may become vacant due to physical illness, mental illness or serious misconduct.

The Election Commission organizes this election when the office of President becomes vacant due to expiration of the term, resignation or impeachment. According to the constitution, the President is elected by the votes of the members of Parliament. In this case, if someone is less than 35 years of age and is not eligible to be elected as a member of Parliament, he cannot become the President. According to the existing Constitution of Bangladesh, the President of the country is now elected by the votes of the members of Parliament.

According to the rules, the CEC of Bangladesh conducts the presidential election as the ‘Electoral Officer’. To elect the President, he announces the election schedule after discussing with the Speaker. If there is a single candidate for the post of President, there is no need to hold a vote as per the provisions.

The voting for this election is held during the session of Parliament after the announcement of the schedule. However, if there is no session at the time required for the presidential election, the Election Commission will convene the session at least seven days before the polling by issuing a notification in consultation with the Speaker.