Following the death of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on December 30, the party’s top post has become vacant. Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman, who had been serving as acting chairman during Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment and illness, continues to perform the duties of the position. According to the BNP constitution, the senior vice chairman automatically assumes the role of chairman when the post becomes vacant. However, official party statements still refer to Tarique Rahman as acting chairman.

Election experts note that under the election code, candidates may only use the current party chief’s image in campaign materials. Since the 13th parliamentary election campaign begins on January 22, BNP must formally designate Tarique Rahman as chairman before that date to use his image. The Election Commission’s senior secretary stated that the decision rests with the party.

BNP policymakers confirm that constitutionally Tarique Rahman is already chairman, though the party continues a seven-day mourning period for Khaleda Zia. Some leaders suggest a council could later formalize his position, but it is not mandatory under the party’s constitution.