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Who are in the race for Bangabhaban?
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 25 Jul 2026, 12:00 AM
Speculation over Bangladesh's next president has gathered pace after President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced his decision to step down before completing his term, with several senior BNP leaders and a few non-partisan figures emerging in political discussions.
Although the presidency is largely ceremonial under the Constitution, the office carries significant symbolic importance as the head of state, guardian of constitutional processes and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The appointment is considered particularly important as the 14th parliamentary elections are due during the next president's tenure.
Under the constitutional framework, a caretaker government will oversee the polls, while no specific mechanism has yet been finalised for selecting its chief adviser beyond consultations among political parties and other key stakeholders.
Against this backdrop, political observers are debating whether the next occupant of Bangabhaban will come from active politics or civil society. If the ruling BNP opts for a party nominee, its parliamentary strength of more than a two-thirds majority gives it complete control over the selection process.
Among the names being widely discussed is BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
A loyal party stalwart, Mirza Fakhrul stood by BNP through some of its most difficult years, when chairperson Khaleda Zia was imprisoned and acting chairman Tarique Rahman remained in exile.
His moderate political style and broad acceptability have strengthened speculation that he could be the party's choice for the country's highest constitutional office.
Another leading contender is BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, whose long political career, ministerial experience and commitment to the party have kept him firmly in the discussion.
Asked whether he would be interested in becoming president, Khandaker Mosharraf told the Daily Sun, "If the party considers me, I can carry out the responsibility."
BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan are also being mentioned as possible candidates.
Nazrul Islam Khan, a veteran politician with a background in leftist and labour politics, is regarded as an acceptable figure across the political spectrum.
He is also believed to enjoy the confidence of Tarique Rahman for his political acumen.
However, party insiders say he has been dealing with age-related health complications in recent months.
Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has also featured prominently in discussions since he was left out of the cabinet in February. A respected academic and politician from a distinguished family, he has been elected to parliament several times from Narsingdi.
Some political analysts have also floated the name of economist Prof Mahbub Ullah, a former Dhaka University teacher, who has long been associated with the BNP as an intellectual and remained active in supporting the party during the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.
Asked about the possibility, Prof Mahbub Ullah said, "I cannot make a comment on this. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman knows whoever is going to become the next president. There is nothing for me to say from outside."
Analysts also believe the government could consider a non-partisan figure with administrative experience, in keeping with the tradition of appointing individuals recognised for their constitutional knowledge and political neutrality.
Whoever eventually moves into Bangabhaban in the coming months will assume office at a politically significant moment.
Following the July uprising and the subsequent transition of power, the choice of Bangladesh's next president is expected to carry greater political weight than the office has traditionally held.