Discussion over BNP’s next secretary general has intensified after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was announced as a presidential candidate on August 13, a move expected to leave his party post vacant. The report, published on August 16, says Fakhrul’s election as president is considered nearly certain because BNP holds a parliamentary majority. Several names are being discussed as possible successors.

Under BNP’s constitution, a permanent secretary general is elected through a national council, while a leader may serve temporarily or in an acting capacity beforehand. Standing Committee member Selima Rahman said senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi would become acting secretary general under the party’s rules. However, BNP has not formally announced anyone for either the acting or permanent role.

Rizvi said no formal announcement had been made and that he was waiting for the party’s decision. Party sources said a permanent secretary general could be chosen at the national council or around that time, with chairman Tarique Rahman’s decision expected to be central. Some media reports have also mentioned Salahuddin Ahmed, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, though Rahman said there had been no internal discussion on those names.