Bangladesh, Aug. 10 -- BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is poised to become Bangladesh's next president after BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman finalised his nomination, according to a senior party leader familiar with the decision.

The leader, who is also a cabinet member, said Fakhrul's name had almost certainly been settled by Tarique, confirming the longtime secretary general as the party's choice.

Several other senior BNP figures said the final decision rested solely with Tarique and that they had not been formally informed.

Only one leader close to the prime minister confirmed the selection.

The development came as the BNP formally b...