Fakhrul presidency to reshape BNP, cabinet, parliament

As the prospect of BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir being the next president gains momentum, speculations and discussion are also growing over possible changes to the three key positions he currently holds.

Party sources said Fakhrul's presidency could trigger changes in the BNP leadership, the cabinet, and his parliament seat. The prospect has also generated discussion among officials and employees at the Secretariat, the administrative hub of the government.

According to the announced election schedule, the presidential election will be held on 20 August, with 13 August set as the deadline for submitting nomination papers.

Infograph: TBS

The BNP has already collected two nomination papers for the election, while several party sources said the decision to nominate Fakhrul was almost final.

The BNP has entrusted its chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the authority to select the party's presidential candidate. Fakhrul had earlier said the candidate would be finalised through a decision of the party's forum.

Members of parliament elect the president. As the BNP holds more than two-thirds majority in parliament, its nominee is widely expected to be elected president.

Possible changes to 3 positions

If Fakhrul is elected president, he will have to resign as BNP secretary general and local government minister.

Party sources said if Fakhrul becomes president, the BNP may temporarily assign the secretary general's responsibilities to its senior joint secretary general. A new secretary general could then be elected at the party's likely national council in December.

Fakrul's election would also vacate his Thakurgaon-1 parliamentary seat. Under Article 123 of the Constitution, a by-election must be held within 90 days of a parliamentary seat becoming vacant.

Who will take over the local govt ministry

There is equal interest in who will take charge of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives if Fakhrul leaves the cabinet.

The BNP has previously given the local government ministry to its secretary general. The party's former secretary generals, Abdus Salam Talukder and Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, both served as ministers of the ministry.

Those familiar with the matter said there is speculation that whoever takes charge of the ministry this time could eventually become the BNP's next secretary general.

A Cabinet Division official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said discussions were under way at the highest level of government over who would succeed Fakhrul as the minister.

The official said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had also discussed the matter with several BNP leaders and some current ministers.

The official said the ministry already has a state minister. Tarique could retain the portfolio himself and have the state minister continue running the ministry on a day-to-day basis.

Salahuddin, Zakaria Taher in discussion

Sources familiar with the matter said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed is currently the frontrunner to take charge of the local government Ministry. Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher's name is also being discussed.

If Salahuddin is moved to the local government ministry, the home ministry would also get a new minister. In that case, there is speculation that Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie could be appointed home minister.

6-month review may lead to broader cabinet reshuffle

The presidential election is taking place as the BNP government approaches six months in office. Officials said the performance of different ministries, ministers' effectiveness and the government's overall progress are being reviewed during this period.

Based on the outcome of the review, discussions are under way at various levels of the government about a limited reshuffle of the entire cabinet, beyond the changes that would be required if Fakhrul leaves his current positions.