Elect a President who can rise  above Party Politics

Bangladesh’s forthcoming presidential election goes beyond choosing a new occupant at Bangabhaban. At a time of major political and institutional change, the country needs a President who can rise above party politics, uphold the Constitution and represent the Republic as a whole. 

However, media reports suggest that the ruling BNP is expected to nominate its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, although it has yet to make the decision official. Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance has nominated Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, Bir Bikram. With the BNP holding a parliamentary majority, the result may be predictable. 

The million dollar question, however, is whether the parliament will choose a President whose loyalty lies first with the Constitution and the Republic, not with the party that had elected him at the parliament.

It is worth mentioning that the Election Commission (EC) has scheduled the election for August 20, with MPs voting between 2pm and 5pm. The BNP has also collected two nomination papers from the EC as part of its preparations. Nevertheless, presidential election should not be treated as a reward for political service or party loyalty. The person elected must understand that the presidency is a constitutional office, not an extension of the ruling party.

The presidential election also comes at a crucial moment in Bangladesh’s constitutional reform debate. The country has long struggled with excessive concentration of power and weak checks and balances. The July Charter has consequently renewed discussion about strengthening the presidency and creating a better balance among state institutions. That said - constitutional amendments alone cannot guarantee institutional independence. Political leaders must also respect constitutional boundaries. 

More importantly, the President should exercise constitutional authority without undue pressure from the government or ruling party and speak up when constitutional principles are threatened. 

Against this backdrop, both prospective candidates have considerable political experience. Mirza Fakhrul has been a leading BNP figure for years, while Oli Ahmed is a veteran politician and decorated freedom fighter. Even so, political experience should not be the decisive criterion. The next President should possess integrity, sound judgement and a firm commitment to constitutional principles. 

We expect him be capable of making difficult decisions in the national interest, protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring constitutional continuity. Concurrently, he should maintain a constructive relationship with the elected government while retaining the independence necessary to perform his duties.

The election should, therefore, set a higher standard for the presidency. The EC must ensure a lawful , accountable and transparent process. Whoever wins must remember that Bangabhaban represents the state, not a political party.