Staff Correspondent

The election for Bangladesh's next President is likely to be held in the second or third week of August, according to government sources. Although no official announcement has been made, the Election Commission has reportedly begun the necessary preparations.

Sources familiar with the matter said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is discussing potential presidential candidates at the policymaking level. While several names are under consideration, BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is said to be the leading contender. However, the party's National Standing Committee has not yet made any formal decision.

Mirza Fakhrul has stated that the nomination of a party or independent candidate for the presidency will be decided by the BNP Standing Committee in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws.

Following the resignation of President Mohammad Shahabuddin, Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is currently serving as Acting President. Under the Constitution, a new President must be elected within 90 days of the office becoming vacant.

The Election Commission said it will announce the election schedule after receiving the list of Members of Parliament from the Parliament Secretariat. If more than one valid candidate is nominated, voting will be held at the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament). If only one valid candidate is nominated, that candidate will be declared elected unopposed.

According to party sources, Mirza Fakhrul is widely regarded as the most prominent potential candidate due to his long tenure as BNP Secretary General, broad political acceptability, and leadership during critical periods. However, if he is elected President, it would require significant organizational changes, including a Cabinet reshuffle, the appointment of a new BNP Secretary General, and a by-election for his parliamentary seat.