Tarique is poised to assume the role of BNP chairman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to formally take over as party chairman in the coming days, according to party sources.

Several members of the BNP Standing Committee have confirmed the development, noting that the post of chairman fell vacant following the death of party chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia on December 30.

Khaleda Zia led the BNP for more than four decades, from May 10, 1984, until her passing this year. After her imprisonment in previous years, Tarique Rahman—then serving as the party’s senior vice chairman—began carrying out the responsibilities of acting chairman.

BNP sources said the party constitution clearly outlines the succession process. Under Article 7(g), sub-clause (3) of the BNP charter, if the position of chairman becomes vacant for any reason, the senior vice chairman is to assume the role for the remainder of the term and continue until a new chairman is elected.

Standing Committee members said an official decision is likely soon to resolve the leadership transition and ensure organizational continuity. Sources added that a Standing Committee meeting may be held within the next one or two days to formally announce Tarique Rahman’s elevation from acting chairman to chairman of the party.