Muyabia Labony; Dbarta24 — In a historic parliamentary vote held after 35 years, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been elected as the 23rd President of Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stalwart secured a decisive victory in the election held at the Jatiya Sangsad. He is scheduled to take the oath of office at Bangabhaban under the administration of Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal.
Direct Parliamentary Vote Ends Multi-Decade Uncontested Streak
Out of 349 total cast ballots, Mirza Fakhrul received 255 votes to defeat his rival candidate, Oli Ahmad of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, who garnered 88 votes.
Mirza Fakhrul succeeds the 22nd President, Mohammed Shahabuddin.
This election marks the first time since 1991 that lawmakers cast direct votes to choose the Head of State.
Over the last seven presidential terms, candidates were chosen uncontested due to a single nomination. Voting inside the parliamentary chamber commenced following introductory guidelines presented by election official A.M.M. Nasir Uddin.
A total of six Members of Parliament were absent during the voting process due to health reasons, international travel, or undisclosed circumstances.
Following the conclusion of voting and the counting period, Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin officially announced the result, triggering applause across the treasury benches. The official gazette notification was published by the Election Commission later that evening.
Cross-Party Exchanges and Expressions of Solidarity
Following the official announcement, Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman congratulated the President-elect with a rose. Senior opposition figures, led by Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, approached the newly elected President to offer greetings and exchange traditional embraces.
Extending his best wishes, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope for non-partisan leadership:
“We hope that the newly elected President, using his vast political experience, competence, and wisdom, will rise above party lines to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, establish justice, and play a responsible role in strengthening national unity.”
Rival presidential candidate and LDP Chairman Dr. Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram also sent a congratulatory message:
“I hope that as the guardian of the state and the constitution, the newly elected President will be able to perform his duties with firmness and efficiency in protecting independence, democracy, and justice. I wish him longevity.”
Former Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, added his congratulations to the national leader:
“I express hope that under the leadership of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Bangladesh will move forward on a more prosperous, just, and democratic path. I wish him good health, longevity, and overall success in fulfilling his responsibilities.”