Tarique Rahman has taken charge as the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He was serving as the acting chairman of the party until now. He formally took charge of the chairmanship on Friday (January 9) night in accordance with the BNP constitution.
Party sources said that when the post of chairman fell vacant due to the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, a meeting of the National Standing Committee was held as per the constitution. As per the decision of that meeting, Tarique Rahman, as Senior Vice Chairman, automatically assumed the responsibility of the chairman.
Earlier, Tarique Rahman presided over the standing committee meeting held at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. He was made acting chairman when Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018. After Khaleda Zia’s death on December 30, the way was paved for a formal change in the party leadership.
After more than 17 years of political asylum in the UK, Tarique Rahman returned to the country on December 25. Political analysts believe that his return has created new momentum and enthusiasm in BNP politics.
BNP has already announced that Tarique Rahman will lead the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. He is going to participate in the parliamentary election for the first time in this election to be held on February 12.