Discussions have intensified over the posts of President and Speaker following the formation of a new government by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a two-thirds majority in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections.

The BNP formally assumed office on Tuesday afternoon with an open-air swearing-in ceremony held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The oath of office was administered by President Mohammad Shahabuddin to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and members of the new cabinet.

The cabinet comprises 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, combining experienced politicians and younger leaders. Both elected and non-elected individuals have been included, party sources said, in what they described as a “balanced” council of ministers.

However, attention has now shifted to key constitutional positions. Although the 49-member cabinet has been announced, the BNP has yet to disclose its nominee for the post of Speaker in the 13th Parliament.

Senior Leaders in Focus

Party insiders say two senior BNP leaders—Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan—have not been assigned any ministerial or other positions so far, fuelling speculation about their possible elevation to top state offices.

Neither leader has publicly commented on the matter, and party officials have remained tight-lipped, saying that the final decision rests with Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a senior member of the BNP Standing Committee, was elected from the Cumilla-1 (Daudkandi-Meghna) constituency in the latest polls. Party sources indicate that he may be considered for the country’s 23rd presidency after the tenure of incumbent President Mohammad Shahabuddin.

A close associate of Dr Mosharraf said the veteran leader had frequently told voters during the campaign that the recent election would be his last and expressed hope of serving the country in a dignified role.

Under constitutional provisions, the election of a new President would require parliamentary procedures and decisions once the House convenes.

Possible Speaker Nominee

Meanwhile, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, also a member of the BNP Standing Committee, is being discussed as a potential candidate for the Speaker’s post, according to party insiders. No official confirmation has been made.

BNP’s Parliamentary Strength

In the 13th general election, the BNP won 209 out of 297 contested seats, while its alliance partners secured three more, bringing the coalition’s total to 212 seats in the 300-member parliament. The results of two constituencies remain suspended by court order. The total number of seats held by the alliance is expected to rise further after the allocation of reserved seats for women.

The BNP previously formed a government with a large majority in 2001 under the four-party alliance, when it secured 193 seats on its own. The late Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister at that time.

With a commanding majority once again, political observers say the BNP leadership is now poised to shape the country’s top constitutional offices in the coming weeks.