Tarique to assume BNP chairmanship under party constitution

Staff Reporter :

Following the death of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, party leaders say that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has automatically taken over as chairman in accordance with the BNP constitution.

No formal announcement has yet been made, and the designation is not being used in official party activities for the time being.

According to Article 7(c) of the BNP constitution, if the post of chairman becomes vacant for any reason, the senior vice chairman assumes the duties of chairman for the remainder of the term until a new chairman is elected and formally assumes office.

Under this provision, Tarique Rahman has been serving as acting chairman since 8 February 2018, when Khaleda Zia was imprisoned.

Several BNP leaders told journalists that, constitutionally, Tarique Rahman has now become the party chairman.

They explained that the lack of a formal announcement is a deliberate decision, as the nation is still observing mourning following Khaleda Zia’s death.

One of the Standing Committee Member of the party said preferring anonymity that the country has lost a guardian with Khaleda Zia’s passing and that party leaders and supporters, including her son Tarique Rahman, are still grieving.

“No one is concerned about positions or titles at this moment,” he said, adding, “There is no doubt that Tarique Rahman is now the chairman of the party.”

Party leaders also said the issue may be formally discussed at the next meeting of the BNP Standing Committee.

They noted that under the party constitution, no official declaration is required for Tarique Rahman to assume the chairmanship, although party press statements continue to refer to him as acting chairman.