Abdul Moyeen Khan is currently ahead in the race of the probable next Foreign Minister, followed closely by Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.
According to the sources, if either of them is appointed as full minister, Shama Obaed is likely to be made state minister. As the organising secretary of BNP's foreign relations committee, she has served the party for almost two decades, as a team member of BNP's international engagement.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury chairs the party's foreign relations committee, which some believe strengthens the possibility of a Khasru-Shama pairing at the ministry. Khasru's name was much talked as Tarique Rahman reportedly directed a foreign policy-related question to Amir Khasru during his maiden press briefing as likely Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
However, Moyeen Khan's prospects remain strong, though his age is also under consideration. Before the election schedule was announced, Tarique Rahman had reportedly tasked him with several months of overseas engagements, during which he held discussions on key diplomatic matters. His recent visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese government is also seen as a factor working in his favour.
Beyond party heavyweights, technocratic options are also being discussed. BNP Joint Secretary General (International Affairs) Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh's Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, have both been mentioned in diplomatic circles.
However, Humayun Kabir's chances, to some extent, questioned as his past role in India has left a negative public perception.
On Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, the source was more positive, describing him as capable and experienced. "Tarique Rahman may take a magical step that even many within the party are unaware of," he added, suggesting the possibility of a surprise appointment.
During the unveiling of the party's election manifesto at Sonargaon Hotel on 6 February, Tarique Rahman laid out the broad contours of BNP's foreign policy. He said that if voted to power, the party would pursue a "Bangladesh first" policy. The manifesto emphasised that while Bangladesh has friends beyond its borders, it has "no masters", underlining independence, sovereignty, national interest, security and citizens' welfare as the central pillars of its diplomatic approach.
