The first session of the 13th National Parliament is scheduled to commence on 12 March, during which elections for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be held. Reliable sources indicate that three senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are currently at the forefront of discussions for the Speaker post.
Following a decisive victory in the 13th national elections, the BNP, led by party chairman Tarique Rahman, formed the government on 17 February. The cabinet under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman includes 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. Additionally, ten party-affiliated individuals have been appointed as advisers. In the wake of government formation, speculation regarding the key parliamentary positions — Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Chief Whip — has intensified, capturing the attention of both party members and the general public alike.
Among the potential candidates, Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, is reportedly the frontrunner. Widely recognised for his clean image and unblemished public record, Dr. Khan has served as a Member of Parliament for the Narsingdi-2 constituency on five occasions. Observers suggest that these credentials make him the most likely choice for the Speaker role.
Another prominent name under consideration is Advocate Zainul Abedin, the party’s Vice Chairman and a senior lawyer of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. A former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Mr. Abedin has recently been elected as the MP for the Barisal-3 constituency, bringing both legal expertise and parliamentary experience to the discussion.
The third leader frequently mentioned in these deliberations is former Education Minister Dr. M Osman Faruk. With extensive ministerial experience, Dr. Faruk adds a blend of administrative skill and legislative knowledge to the pool of potential candidates.
According to insiders, one among these three leaders is likely to be appointed as Speaker, with the final decision expected to follow internal consultations within the party. The anticipation surrounding this selection has generated significant interest among political analysts, party activists, and the wider public.
| Leader Name | Position in BNP | Constituency | Parliamentary Experience | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Abdul Moin Khan | Standing Committee Member | Narsingdi-2 | 5-time MP | Clean image, seasoned legislator |
| Advocate Zainul Abedin | Vice Chairman | Barisal-3 | Newly elected MP, former SCBA President | Legal expertise, parliamentary experience |
| Dr. M Osman Faruk | Former Education Minister | – | Multiple ministerial roles | Administrative skill, legislative knowledge |
With the first parliamentary session only weeks away, the spotlight remains firmly on these three figures as the BNP finalises its nominations for the crucial Speaker post.