DHAKA, Aug 20 (Alliance News): Bangladesh lawmakers on Thursday elected veteran Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country’s new president, following his party’s return to power earlier this year.
Alamgir, 78, defeated Liberal Democratic Party chairman Oli Ahmed by 255 votes to 88 in a parliamentary election. He is expected to take oath on Friday evening.
The presidency in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial, while executive authority remains with the prime minister and cabinet. However, the president also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Alamgir’s election followed the resignation of former President Mohammed Shahabuddin on health grounds before completing his five-year term. A senior BNP leader, Alamgir served as the party’s secretary-general from 2016 until his nomination for the presidency.
The BNP returned to power in February after years in opposition, with Tarique Rahman becoming prime minister following the February 12 general election. Alamgir was among the party’s prominent opposition figures during the rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who left Bangladesh in August 2024 following mass protests.
SEO Title: Bangladesh elects BNP veteran Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir as president
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DHAKA, Aug 20 (Alliance News): Bangladesh lawmakers on Thursday elected veteran Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country’s new president, following his party’s return to power earlier this year.
Alamgir, 78, defeated Liberal Democratic Party chairman Oli Ahmed by 255 votes to 88 in a parliamentary election. He is expected to take oath on Friday evening.
The presidency in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial, while executive authority remains with the prime minister and cabinet. However, the president also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Alamgir’s election followed the resignation of former President Mohammed Shahabuddin on health grounds before completing his five-year term. A senior BNP leader, Alamgir served as the party’s secretary-general from 2016 until his nomination for the presidency.
The BNP returned to power in February after years in opposition, with Tarique Rahman becoming prime minister following the February 12 general election. Alamgir was among the party’s prominent opposition figures during the rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who left Bangladesh in August 2024 following mass protests.
