Following the formation of a new democratic government in Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman of the BNP has taken the oath as Prime Minister, marking the first time in 35 years that a man has held the position. Amidst this transition, there is significant speculation that Muhammad Yunus, who led the interim government for the past 18 months, will be appointed as the country’s President. Reports suggest the current President, Mohammed Shahabuddin, is prepared to resign voluntarily before his term ends in 2028. This move is seen as a strategic choice by the BNP, as Yunus maintains strong ties with Western nations and could provide a stable, internationally respected balance to the new administration.
According to Article 50 of the Bangladesh Constitution, the President is elected for a five-year term and can serve a maximum of two terms. Unlike a general election where citizens vote directly, the President is elected by the Members of Parliament (MPs). To be eligible for the post, a candidate must be at least 35 years old and qualified to be an MP. The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the electoral officer, and if only one candidate is nominated (by at least two proponents), they can be declared elected without a vote. If there are multiple candidates, the election is held via a secret ballot during a parliamentary session.
While the President’s powers are traditionally limited and ceremonial—acting primarily on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet—a new reform known as the “July Charter” aims to expand the presidency’s authority. Under current rules, the President appoints the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, and Supreme Court judges. However, the proposed Charter suggests granting the President independent authority to appoint heads of crucial bodies like the National Human Rights Commission and the Law Commission. As Muhammad Yunus prepares to move from the official interim residence back to his private life, the nation watches to see if he will soon return to occupy the country’s highest office.
