Veteran Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and former Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been elected as Bangladesh’s 23rd president through a parliamentary vote.
Alamgir secured 255 votes, defeating opposition alliance candidate and retired army officer Oli Ahmed, who received 88 votes. A total of 343 lawmakers participated in the presidential election.
The election was particularly significant as it marked the first contested presidential election in Bangladesh in 35 years, with more than one candidate competing for the largely ceremonial position.
The 78-year-old Alamgir had served as BNP Secretary General since 2016 and emerged as one of the party's prominent opposition figures during Sheikh Hasina's long tenure as prime minister.
Although the presidency is largely ceremonial under Bangladesh's parliamentary system, the president serves as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while executive authority remains with the prime minister and cabinet.
Alamgir's election followed the resignation of former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who stepped down before completing his five-year term, citing health reasons. Alamgir is expected to take the oath of office on August 21.
