DHAKA: Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been elected as the country’s new president.
The 78-year-old politician defeated retired army colonel and opposition alliance candidate Oli Ahmed in a parliamentary vote, according to foreign media reports.
President Holds Largely Ceremonial Role
The presidency in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial.
As president, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will serve as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
However, executive authority will remain with the prime minister and cabinet.
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The president also performs several constitutional and formal duties.
BNP Holds Two-Thirds Majority
The presidential election follows the general election held on February 12 this year.
The BNP and its coalition partners won a two-thirds majority in parliament in that election.
The parliamentary majority helped the ruling coalition secure the presidency.
Alamgir Has Long Served as BNP Leader
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has served as the BNP secretary general since 2016.
He became a prominent opposition figure during the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
During that period, authorities arrested him several times and he faced multiple legal cases.
His election as president marks a major change in his political career after years as a leading opposition figure.
Election Follows Former President’s Resignation
The presidential election took place after former President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned from office.
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Shahabuddin stepped down last month before completing his five-year term.
He cited health problems as the reason for his resignation.
The election has now cleared the way for Alamgir to take over as Bangladesh’s head of state.
