Overview
- BNP said Rahman took office as chairman following a unanimous National Standing Committee decision made in line with the party constitution.
- Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed the appointment to the media after the committee meeting.
- The elevation fills the vacancy created by the December 30 death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia at age 80.
- Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after 17 years in self-exile in London, following acquittals in several cases.
- Agency reports describe him as a leading prime ministerial contender for February’s vote, with BNP seen as favored as the Awami League is reported to be barred and an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus oversees the transition.