Tarique Rahman Formally Named BNP Chairman

Newly appointed BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. File photo

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman formally assumed office as the party’s chairman on Thursday (9 January) following a unanimous decision by the BNP National Standing Committee.

According to a party statement, the post of chairman fell vacant after the death of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. In line with the party constitution, the National Standing Committee convened a meeting to address the vacancy.

At the meeting, committee members unanimously endorsed Tarique Rahman’s appointment to the top post, thereby completing the constitutional process for his elevation as chairman.

Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman convened an emergency meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where he presided over the session. Senior party leaders indicated that the meeting, though not part of the routine schedule, was significant in view of the impending leadership transition.

Previously, on 4 January, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had indicated that Tarique Rahman would be elected chairman within a short time.

Tarique Rahman has served as acting chairman of the BNP since 2018, following the imprisonment of Khaleda Zia.