Learning From Past Experiences, BNP Adopts New Strategy in Selecting Presidential Candidate

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Ahead of the country’s 23rd presidential election, the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has taken a cautious approach in selecting its candidate. Reviewing past experiences regarding presidential nominations, including issues related to party loyalty, competence, and political judgment, the party now wants to choose a person who is more acceptable, capable, experienced, and statesmanlike.

Amid discussions over the presidential election and possible candidates, the highest policymaking body of BNP, the National Standing Committee, is scheduled to hold a meeting on Saturday (August 1). The meeting will take place at the political office of BNP Chairman in Gulshan, Dhaka, at night.

The meeting will be chaired by Parliament Leader, Prime Minister, and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Party sources said detailed discussions may take place regarding the upcoming presidential election and the qualifications of potential candidates. As the election of the country’s new president is likely to be held during the September parliamentary session, discussions have already intensified in political circles.

Last Wednesday, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that the party would choose a person for the presidency who would be acceptable and respected by all.

He said the candidate should also possess competence, wisdom, and strong commitment to the country.

Rizvi further said party leaders and activists have confidence in the decision-making ability of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman due to his long political struggle and experience.

He expressed hope that Tarique Rahman would select the appropriate person after considering all aspects.

Ahead of the presidential election, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin met Acting Speaker of Parliament Barrister Kaisar Kamal last Tuesday. Following the meeting, discussions regarding preparations for the presidential election became more active in political circles.

According to party sources, BNP may give importance to three major factors while selecting its presidential nominee.

These include:

• Trust and credibility toward the country and the party
• Ability to manage state affairs and perform constitutional responsibilities
• Capability to make courageous decisions during critical situations

Party leaders believe that the presidential position is not limited only to ceremonial responsibilities. The role of the head of state can become crucial during political or constitutional crises.

Therefore, they believe that not only party loyalty but also the candidate’s personality, wisdom, courage, and nationwide acceptance should be considered.

Referring to past experiences, a senior BNP leader said that a lack of competence and political judgment in selecting a president could create major challenges in the future.

“For this reason, there is little room for mistakes this time,” the leader said.

BNP’s past experiences regarding presidential appointments include both achievements and controversies.

In May 1996, during BNP’s government, party leaders still positively evaluate the role of then-President Abdur Rahman Biswas. Political observers have discussed that his role was significant in preventing the attempted coup by then-Army Chief Lieutenant General Abu Saleh Mohammad Nasim.

On the other hand, after BNP’s tenure ended in 2006, President Iajuddin Ahmed took charge as the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government. His role in handling the following political situation faced widespread criticism.

The crisis eventually led to the declaration of a state of emergency and the emergence of the political situation known as “1/11.” Many BNP leaders believe that the decisions and circumstances of that period ultimately did not benefit the party.

Additionally, after the 2001 election, Professor Dr. A.Q.M. Badruddoza Chowdhury was first appointed Foreign Minister and later became President.

However, within a few months of assuming office as President, political differences developed between him and BNP.

Due to disagreements over several political and party issues, he resigned from the presidency in June 2002.

According to BNP leaders, these incidents demonstrate that presidential selection should not be based only on loyalty or personal popularity.

They believe that capability to perform presidential duties, political wisdom, and crisis management skills are equally important.

Political analyst and local government expert Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar believes that a qualified, honest, dignified, and widely accepted person beyond traditional choices should be selected for the presidency.

According to him, the president is the first citizen of the state.

Therefore, the position should be given to someone who has personal integrity, social acceptance, and the ability to preserve the dignity of the state.

Political scientist and analyst Professor Dr. Dilara Chowdhury said that selecting a president solely based on party or political calculations is not appropriate.

She said that although the constitutional power of the president is limited in a parliamentary system, the role of the head of state can become important during national crises or emergencies.

According to her, the presidency requires a personality who will prioritize national interests and not remain limited by blind loyalty to any political party.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said the president should be someone who can truly act as the guardian of the nation.

He also mentioned that proposals from the July Charter should be considered in the process of presidential selection and state structure reforms.

Political observers believe that the election of a new president could become an important test of BNP’s political maturity and decision-making capability.

They say the acceptance of the person elected as president will not only affect the government’s image but also public confidence in democratic institutions.

During the 55 years since independence, 22 presidents have served the country. Some had to resign, while the roles of several others became subjects of political debate.

Therefore, honesty, qualifications, courage, constitutional knowledge, and public acceptance are all receiving importance in selecting the next president.

Party sources said that considering past successes and failures, BNP wants to nominate a person who will be responsible toward both the party and the state, politically wise, and nationally acceptable.

It is expected that the BNP Standing Committee meeting may provide important directions regarding the possible candidate.