Discussions have already begun over who may become the next President if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) forms the new government. Various names are circulating on social media and in sections of the media.
According to party insiders, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is being considered for the presidency. Another Standing Committee member, Nazrul Islam Khan, is also reportedly under discussion. However, multiple party sources suggest that Mosharraf’s name is receiving stronger consideration.
In the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12, the BNP secured 209 seats and is set to form the government. Newly elected Members of Parliament are scheduled to take oath on Tuesday morning, followed by the swearing-in of the new cabinet later in the day.
While internal discussions continue over the formation of the cabinet, deliberations are also underway regarding the presidency. Several senior leaders are expected to receive ministerial positions, and the question of who will assume the role of President is being addressed alongside those decisions.
Current President Mohammad Shahabuddin may step down after the new government is formed. In an interview with Reuters last December, he indicated his willingness to resign. Shahabuddin, who was elected unopposed in 2023 with the nomination of the Awami League, said he intended to carry out his constitutional duties until the election process was complete but expressed interest in leaving the position. He also mentioned feeling disrespected after portraits of him were reportedly removed from diplomatic missions abroad.
Under the Constitution, the presidential term lasts five years, which would extend Shahabuddin’s tenure until April 2028. However, his earlier remarks suggest he may not remain in office for the full term.
Speculation about Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain becoming President is not new. In 2023, at a BNP divisional rally in Bogura, party leader G. M. Siraj publicly suggested that if the BNP formed the government, Tarique Rahman would serve as Prime Minister and Mosharraf would become President.
Now 79, Mosharraf has been elected from the Cumilla-1 constituency in the latest election. He previously served as a Member of Parliament four times—in 1991, twice in 1996 (February and June), and in 2001. According to information from the University of Dhaka, he was formerly a professor in the Department of Geology. He served as Energy Minister in 1991 and later as Health Minister in 2001. During the Liberation War, while residing in the United Kingdom, he played an organizing role in mobilizing support for Bangladesh.
Party sources also note that in recent years Mosharraf has maintained a relatively low public profile, possibly to avoid political controversy.
Although Nazrul Islam Khan’s name has surfaced in discussions for the presidency, there are suggestions within the party that he could instead be appointed as a political adviser to the Prime Minister. He recently addressed a large gathering during Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayer and served as convener of the BNP’s election management committee.
The decision on the next President has not yet been finalized. While the names of ministers are expected to be announced soon, clarity regarding the presidency may emerge in the coming days.
