M K Alam; Dbarta24- Bangladesh is conducting its first contested presidential election in 35 years, marking a historic return to parliamentary balloting for the head of state.
Members of Parliament are casting their votes in the Jatiya Sangshad chamber to elect the country’s 23rd president, filling the constitutional vacancy created by the resignation of former President Mohammed Shahabuddin due to health reasons.
The contest features Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram, representing an 11-party opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami.
With the BNP holding a two-thirds majority in the 13th National Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul is widely anticipated to secure the presidency, though the presence of an opposing candidate legally mandates a formal vote.
The parliamentary electoral roll comprises 349 lawmakers, including 50 reserved female seats, with one seat vacant following a Supreme Court ruling.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of the ballot, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin highlighted the significance of the event.
“Because a competitive presidential election is taking place after a long time, this is a historic election. Given the context of the former president’s resignation and the election of a new president, this election holds special importance.”
The Election Commission has deployed 20 support officials, including Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed, to manage procedures smoothly inside the parliament hall.
Media protocols allow live broadcasts of votes cast by high-profile leaders, including the Prime Minister, Speaker, and Leader of the Opposition, as well as the vote counting process, while individual ballot selections will remain confidential.
Following the vote counting, the Election Commission will officially announce the results.
The Cabinet Division has formed six dedicated committees to organize the swearing-in ceremony at Bangabhaban, where approximately 1,200 guests—including diplomats, military officials, and political leaders—are expected to attend as the Speaker administers the oath of office to the newly elected head of state.