With the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the post of “Chairperson” of the BNP has fallen vacant. According to the party constitution, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has automatically assumed the responsibilities of chairman.
However, no party decision has yet been made regarding when, how, and through what process he will be formally declared chairman. With the national parliamentary election approaching, the BNP will have to resolve the matter quickly.
Responsible party sources say that following Khaleda Zia’s death, one of the most sensitive and practical questions facing the party is whose image will be used on election campaign materials such as banners, festoons, billboards, leaflets, and digital posters.
The party will need to reach a prompt decision on this issue in consultation with the Election Commission.
After suffering from multiple serious illnesses for a long time, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 am on December 30 while undergoing treatment at a hospital. Her death left the party’s chairperson post vacant at a time when the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a referendum are scheduled for February 12.
Even before the election schedule was announced, many BNP candidates had already printed banners, festoons, billboards, and campaign leaflets, while others had circulated digital posters on social media. A large portion of these materials featured Khaleda Zia’s image. However, the reality has changed following her death.
According to Rule 7(c) of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections–2025, if a candidate contests the election with party nomination, only the image of the current party chief may be used on banners, leaflets, or festoons.
The image must be in portrait form and cannot be used in a leadership pose or special posture. In light of this rule, BNP candidates are now uncertain about whose image they can use as the party chief.
Although Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has automatically assumed the responsibilities of chairman under the party constitution, no formal announcement has yet been made by the party, and in practice the title is not being used. As a result, there has been no resolution yet on whose image will be used in campaign materials.
Several leaders at the policy-making level say that, considering political sensitivity and strategic calculations, the issue is not being brought to the forefront for now. In reality, however, all decisions, directives, and election strategies are being determined around Tarique Rahman. A formal announcement will come at an appropriate time.
On the matter, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that clarification from the Election Commission is needed regarding the use of the party chief’s image on election posters, and discussions with the Commission will be held soon.
Following the end of the three-day state mourning for Khaleda Zia, the BNP is now observing a seven-day mourning program, which will conclude on January 5. Prayers and doa mahfils are being held for her across the country every day. Amid this atmosphere of mourning, the party has to move forward with election preparations.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Member Secretary of the Election Management Committee Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “We are still in deep mourning. From the heart, there is little enthusiasm for election work. Still, we have to do as much as possible.”
Party sources say that once the mourning program ends, the BNP will begin full-scale election activities. Many leaders and activists believe that although Khaleda Zia is physically absent, she will remain the emotional focal point of this election campaign.
The party wants to turn the massive public turnout at her funeral and final farewell, as well as the respect shown by the international community, into political strength. The goal is to organizationally preserve this emotion and convert public support into votes.
To that end, emphasis has been placed on activating candidates in every constituency, keeping local leaders and activists united, and increasing public rallies, courtyard meetings, and one-on-one outreach.
A senior BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the party’s message on the campaign trail will be: Khaleda Zia is no longer physically present, but her ideals, struggle, and leadership will remain alive in BNP politics.
Meanwhile, a 41-member central election steering committee has been formed to oversee election management and the implementation of strategy. This committee will handle candidate management, control of rebel candidates, organizational coordination, and campaign guidance.
However, the issue of rebel candidates has emerged as a major challenge for the BNP on the road to the election. Defying party decisions, multiple leaders have submitted nomination papers in more than a hundred constituencies.
So far, nine leaders, including Rumeen Farhana, Saiful Alam (Nirab), and Hasan Mamun, have been expelled. Party sources say many others have been instructed to withdraw their nominations within a specified timeframe, and failure to comply will lead to further expulsions.
According to BNP leadership, maintaining discipline in seats left to allies is crucial; otherwise, politics based on public sympathy will not survive. Salahuddin Ahmed said there is also scope to withdraw expulsion orders for those who comply by withdrawing their nominations.
Party leaders believe that public expectations of the BNP have increased further following Khaleda Zia’s death. Therefore, the party is proceeding with extreme caution at every stage.
Key steps ahead include nomination scrutiny and appeals, withdrawal of candidacies, symbol allocation, and finalization of the manifesto. The top leadership’s goal is to ensure that no confusing or unexpected message reaches voters at any stage.
Party sources say that in the final phase of the election campaign, Tarique Rahman will personally take to the field. If the political situation and environment are favorable, he may also plan meetings with the families of those martyred in the July uprising and undertake nationwide tours.