Tarique Rahman now BNP chairman as per party constitution: Party leaders
However, the party has yet to make any formal announcement, and the title is not being used in ongoing official activities.
Tarique Rahman, who served as the BNP acting chairman, has assumed the role of chairperson, following the death of his mother Khaleda Zia, as per the party's constitution.
However, the party has yet to make any formal announcement, and the title is not being used in ongoing official activities.
Several BNP leaders told The Business Standard that, constitutionally, Tarique is now the party chairman. They said the absence of an announcement is a strategic decision, as the country remains in mourning following Khaleda's death.
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According to Article 7(c) of the BNP constitution, if the chairman's post falls vacant for any reason, the senior vice chairman assumes the responsibilities of chairman for the remainder of the term until a new chairman is elected and takes office.
Under the same provision, Tarique had been serving as acting chairman since 8 February 2018, when Khaleda was jailed.
BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said the country has been left without a guardian following Khaleda's death, and that both party leaders and supporters, including her son Tarique, are grieving.
"In this situation, no one is focused on positions or titles," he added, stating, "But there is no doubt that Tarique Rahman is now the chairman of the BNP."
Party leaders indicated that a final decision or discussion on the matter may come at the next meeting of the BNP Standing Committee.
They also noted that no formal declaration is required under the constitution for Tarique to assume the chairmanship, though party press releases still refer to him as acting chairman.
