There is intense discussion in the political arena surrounding the new presidential election. Although more than a dozen names have been circulating for several days, only three names are being mentioned in the party and political discussions. Among them, the issue of the presidency may also come up in the meeting of the party’s highest policy-making forum today (August 1).
The names of the three people are being revealed.
It is known that the names of those who may be on the list to be elected to the presidency are BNP standing committee member and current acting president Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, standing committee member Professor Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, and party secretary general and local government, rural development and cooperatives minister
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Party sources say that the issue of the presidency may be raised at the meeting of the party’s highest policy-making forum on Saturday (August 1). However, multiple sources claim that the issue may not be on the formal agenda. In that case, as in the past, the standing committee members may vote in favor of leaving the decision-making burden to the party’s top leadership. It is also heard that some may raise the issue by requesting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to take a decision.
A source said that the profiles of potential candidates are already being reviewed at a high level, but no final decision has been made yet.
Some things may be given importance
Multiple sources familiar with the party discussions claim that not only party politics but also the country’s overall diplomatic balance, constitutional stability and international acceptance are being taken into consideration in the presidential election. Although there are different opinions from different levels, the idea is to ultimately choose someone who is accepted, experienced and considered above controversy both at home and abroad.
Professor Dr. Abdul Moin Khan
In this context, the name of Professor Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has come into special discussion. Higher education in physics, research in nuclear physics, work in international research institutions, planning, serving in the Ministry of Science and Information Technology, and long political and diplomatic experience - all of which are seen by those concerned as strong. He has done research in nuclear physics and has long experience in the science and technology sector.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has extensive constitutional and parliamentary experience.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Many say that in the case of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, his long organizational experience, his rise from the grassroots to national leadership, and his ability to fulfill important government responsibilities are being taken into consideration.
However, no responsible leader of BNP has yet officially confirmed anyone’s name for the presidential post. Sources claim that the party will officially propose the name of the candidate only after the Election Commission announces the schedule for the presidential election. There is little opportunity to know the matter officially before then. As a result, despite various discussions in the political arena, the final decision will depend on the decision of the party’s highest policy-making level.
What decision can be made today?
Standing Committee member and advisor to the Prime Minister Nazrul Islam Khan said, “The post of President is vacant. It is only natural that there will be discussions about who can become President in the future.”
When asked what factors should be taken into consideration in the presidential election, international trade and politics analyst Mobasher Hossain Tutul mentioned eight factors.
According to him, the five-year term of the president, his role during a possible caretaker government, the possibility of increasing the president’s executive powers, past political experience, universally recognized personality, educational and diplomatic qualifications, the organizational reality of the current government and party, and the physical and intellectual capabilities of the president - all need to be considered with equal importance.
He told Daily Industry, “All things considered, I don’t think it would be a wise decision to consider anyone except one or two of the current BNP standing committee members for this position. However, most people tend to take emotional decisions when they come to power. However, it is not proven that the outcome of that has been very good most of the time. Therefore, decisions should be made with logic rather than emotion.”
Political analyst Mohiuddin Khan told Daily Industry, “In my opinion, someone should be chosen as president who has no unacceptable bad record, no corruption allegations, who will have responsibility towards the state, and whose backbone will be strong.”
He said, “The current government’s cabinet often feels like it lacks guardianship. Therefore, in the case of the presidential election, I think that both the government and the state can benefit if someone with experience and personality like a retired senior judge is in the highest constitutional position of the state.”
Mohiuddin Khan also said that if someone is made president by the party, then a senior leader should be chosen who has no corruption charges against him and who has a clean image. However, no such personality should be newly elected to this position, whom BNP appointed as president two decades ago when it was in government (Badruddoza Chowdhury and Iazuddin Ahmed).
