BNP discusses presidential election

The BNP Standing Committee held detailed discussions on the country’s next presidential election on Saturday but stopped short of proposing or finalising any candidate for the post.

According to multiple sources familiar with the meeting, members also discussed whether the presidential election could be held before the 90-day constitutional timeframe. However, no formal decision was taken on the matter.

The sources said there was broad consensus that Prime Minister and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would take the final decision on matters related to the presidential election and appointment process.

The meeting began at around 8:00 pm at the party’s central office in Gulshan and continued for nearly one and a half hours. It was chaired by Tarique Rahman.

Those attending included Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Chowdhury and Begum Selima Rahman. Mirza Abbas and Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan joined the meeting virtually.

In addition to the presidential election, the committee discussed local government polls. Members reportedly reviewed the overall political and administrative situation and expressed the view that holding local government elections before January next year would not be practical.

The country’s law and order situation also came up for discussion. During the meeting, Standing Committee member and Home Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that further improvements in law and order would be visible in the near future.

The committee also discussed the ongoing electricity and gas shortages, with members exchanging views on measures to ensure a stable energy supply, according to sources.

JB/ SKS