The first session of the 13th National Parliament is scheduled to begin on March 12, during which the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected. With the BNP forming the new parliament with an absolute majority, attention has now shifted to who will assume the Speaker’s chair as the constitutional guardian of the House.
BNP sources said discussions on key constitutional posts began soon after the formation of the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. While the cabinet has already been finalised, decisions on the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Leader of the House and Chief Whip are still pending. Party insiders said experience, command over parliamentary procedures, party loyalty and cross-party acceptability are central considerations in the selection process.
Party policymakers expect both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be chosen from among seasoned MPs to ensure an effective and vibrant parliament. The ability to conduct proceedings impartially is also being given priority. Although several senior leaders are under discussion, no formal decision has yet been announced.
The Constitution requires the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be elected in the first session of parliament. Once elected, the Speaker presides over the House. Ensuring smooth proceedings while allowing space for the opposition is expected to be one of the main challenges for the incoming Speaker.
Senior BNP leaders indicated that decisions on these posts could come before the session begins, though party sources said the final call will be made on the advice of the party chairperson and with the prime minister’s approval.
Speaker race narrows to three
Within BNP circles, Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan is the most discussed contender for the Speaker’s post. The five-time MP from Narsingdi-2 has long been involved in party policymaking and brings extensive administrative and political experience as a former Dhaka University teacher and former minister. His absence from the cabinet has further strengthened speculation about his candidacy, with party sources citing his clean image and broad acceptability.
Moyeen Khan’s continued exclusion from government positions, despite being re-elected for a fifth term, has fuelled public curiosity about his future role. His father, Dr Abdul Momen Khan, served as a minister under Ziaur Rahman, a background many believe adds to his stature.
Asked about the matter, Moyeen Khan said he was unaware of the party’s decision and would accept any responsibility assigned to him.
Another prominent name is BNP Vice Chairman and senior Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Zainul Abedin, the MP from Barisal-3, known for his expertise in constitutional and electoral law. Party insiders said his prospects could improve if legal acumen is prioritised in managing parliamentary affairs.
Also under discussion is Dr M Osman Faruk, MP from Kishoreganj-3 and a former education minister. A former World Bank official, he is considered a potential candidate due to his experience in international development and parliamentary work.
Party sources said the Speaker is most likely to be chosen from among these three leaders, with the final decision resting with Tarique Rahman.
Deputy Speaker shortlist
Several BNP MPs are being considered for the post of Deputy Speaker, including ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizaan (Lakshmipur-4), Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho (Bhola-1) and Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon (Noakhali-1).
Party sources said there is a preference for appointing a relatively younger and active leader who was not included in the cabinet, placing these three names at the forefront.
Veteran BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy is being considered for the position of Deputy Leader of the House. A former state minister with long-standing involvement in party politics, Roy may also be assigned another key parliamentary role if not appointed to the post.
For the Chief Whip position, two senior MPs are under discussion: Zainul Abdin Farroque, a six-time MP from Noakhali-2, and Barkat Ullah Bulu, a five-time MP from Noakhali-3. Farroque is seen as slightly ahead due to his previous role as opposition Chief Whip, while Bulu’s long parliamentary experience also places him in strong contention.
Under parliamentary practice, the Chief Whip is supported by six whips. Several names are being discussed for these roles, including Amanullah Aman, Mohammad Fazlur Rahman, Nurul Islam Moni, Ahmed Azam Khan, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, Reza Kibria and Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas.
Uncertainty over presiding the first sitting
Article 74 of the Constitution mandates the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker at the first sitting after a general election, which is typically presided over by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the previous parliament.
This time, however, uncertainty has arisen as former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury resigned in September 2024 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, while outgoing Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku is currently in jail in connection with a murder case.
Parliamentary analysts said that in such circumstances, a member of parliament nominated by the president may preside over the first sitting, after which the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected.
In the meantime, three days after the publication of the gazette of the 13th parliamentary election results, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath to the newly elected MPs last Tuesday.
