BNP Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman has taken over as the chairman of the party. He officially took this responsibility according to the constitution of BNP on Friday (January 09) night.
In a notification sent to the media on Friday night, it was informed that the post of party chairman has become vacant due to the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In this situation, a meeting of the National Standing Committee of BNP was held as per the constitution of the party. According to the decision of the meeting, Tariq Rahman took responsibility as the chairman of BNP unanimously.
Before this, the BNP Standing Committee meeting started at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan after 9:30 pm. The meeting was chaired by Tariq Rahman himself. According to party sources, the final decision regarding leadership change was taken in this meeting.
In 2018, when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia went to jail, Tariq Rahman was made Acting Chairman as per party decision. After the death of Khaleda Zia on December 30, the post of chairman of BNP became vacant. In continuation of this, according to the party constitution, the leadership was formally changed.
Sub-section (3) of Article 7 of the Constitution of the BNP states—If the post of Chairman becomes vacant for any reason, the Senior Vice Chairman shall hold the office of Chairman for the remainder of the term and shall remain in office until the next Chairman is elected and assumes office. Accordingly, Tariq Rahman automatically became the chairman of BNP.
Tareek Rahman returned to the country on December 25 last year after staying in political asylum in the UK for more than seventeen years. With his return, the party leaders and activists feel that the long-term uncertainty and anxiety inside and outside the BNP has gone away.
According to political analysts, Tariq Rahman’s return to the country has created an opportunity for a fresh turnaround for the BNP and has created new enthusiasm among party workers.
Earlier BNP had announced that Tariq Rahman will lead the party in the 13th National Assembly elections. In this election, he is going to participate in the parliamentary elections for the first time. According to the announcement of the interim government, the National Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on February 12.
