Decision on the Next President Will Be Taken by the Party's Top Leadership: Ruhul Kabir Rizvi

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stated that the party's highest policymaking body will make the final decision regarding the country's next President.

He also described the demands made by various political parties for legal action against the outgoing President as matters reflecting their own political positions.

Rizvi made these remarks while speaking to journalists after paying tribute on Saturday (July 25) at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Newly appointed chairpersons of 12 state-owned institutions were also present during the event.

Rizvi said that electing a new President is an important constitutional issue, and the BNP's official position will be determined at the appropriate time by the party's top leadership.

He indicated that no individual's personal opinion should be interpreted as the party's official stance before that formal decision is made.

Responding to questions about calls from several political parties seeking legal proceedings against the outgoing President, Rizvi said those demands represent the independent political assessments and decisions of the respective parties.

Addressing the newly appointed chairpersons of state-owned organizations, the BNP leader urged them to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

He expressed hope that they would uphold public trust and preserve the dignity of state institutions while performing their duties.

Rizvi also claimed that Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has consistently followed a policy of recognizing and rewarding dedicated party leaders and activists who have contributed to the party's long-standing political movements and struggles.

He said this principle continues to receive importance in assigning organizational responsibilities.

It is noteworthy that Mohammad Shahabuddin assumed office as Bangladesh's 22nd President on April 24, 2023. However, he resigned before completing his constitutional term, citing health-related reasons.

Under the Constitution, when the office of the President becomes vacant, the Speaker of Parliament performs the duties of Acting President until a new President assumes office.

Accordingly, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is currently serving as the Acting President.

The Constitution further requires that the process of electing a new President through Parliament be completed within 90 days after the office becomes vacant.

As a result, discussions surrounding the country's next presidential election have gained renewed momentum in Bangladesh's political arena.