Asif Nazrul says who he considers qualified for the presidency

Photo: Collected

News Desk: Following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, intense discussions have begun in political circles over who will become the country’s next president. The names of three senior BNP leaders have emerged as potential candidates for the presidency.

According to political sources, the names of BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, and Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan are being discussed in various circles as possible candidates for the presidency.

In addition, the name of a senior secretary who is serving on a contractual basis in an important government position is also reportedly under consideration. However, no official decision has yet been made in this regard.

Meanwhile, Interim Government Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has shared a social media post expressing his view on who he considers qualified to become the next President of Bangladesh.

According to him, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is a suitable candidate for the position. He said that during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, Fakhrul led the party as its Secretary General, faced persecution in various ways, and made many sacrifices. Among politicians, he is regarded as a moderate, well-mannered, and prominent orator.

Asif Nazrul further said that Mirza Fakhrul has a long-standing relationship of understanding with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He was also like a son to Begum Khaleda Zia. He added that there are several other suitable candidates within the BNP as well.

It may be noted that Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has assumed the responsibilities of Acting President following the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin due to serious health complications.

He assumed the role of Acting President on Friday after accepting the President’s resignation letter.

Earlier, Mohammed Shahabuddin submitted his resignation letter to National Parliament Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

In his resignation letter, the President stated that he was seriously ill and suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney complications. He had undergone bypass surgery on his heart and had recently been diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy. Due to the condition, he occasionally lost consciousness for brief periods. Citing his physical and mental incapacity caused by these illnesses and his need for long-term treatment, he said he was unable to perform the responsibilities of such an important constitutional office as the President. He therefore resigned from the presidency under Article 50(3) of the Constitution.

Mohammed Shahabuddin assumed office as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023.