Who will become the next president

As preparations continue for the formation of the new government, speculation is rising over who will assume the presidency. Several names have been circulating on social media and in news outlets.

Sources within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) indicate that Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a member of the party’s standing committee, is being strongly considered for the role.

Another standing committee member, Nazrul Islam Khan, is also reportedly under discussion.

Current President Mohammad Shahabuddin had hinted in a December interview with Reuters that he might resign after the new government takes office, although his constitutional term extends until April 2028.

He noted that he is performing his duties until a successor is elected but is willing to step aside.

Seventy-nine-year-old Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain was elected from Cumilla-1 in the recent polls. He previously served as an MP in 1991, 1996 (two terms), and 2001, holding ministerial positions as Fuel Minister in 1991 and Health Minister in 2001. He is also a former professor of geology at Dhaka University.

Party sources describe him as low-profile and controversy-averse—qualities seen as advantageous for the presidency. BNP circles have previously discussed the possibility of him becoming president if the party formed the government.

Some within the party suggest Nazrul Islam Khan could instead serve as a political adviser to the Prime Minister, having led the party’s election management committee and represented BNP in key political events.

Following BNP’s victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election with 209 seats, newly elected MPs are scheduled to take their oath on Tuesday morning, with the Cabinet sworn in during the afternoon.

Political sources say a final decision on the presidency could emerge within days of the Cabinet announcement.