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Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir Sworn In as Bangladesh President

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir Sworn In as Bangladesh President
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir takes oath as Bangladesh's President · m.rediff.com

Bangladesh’s Parliament chose Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as its new president.

He received 255 votes, while Colonel Oli Ahmed received 88.

Oli was supported by an opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies.

This was Bangladesh’s first presidential election with more than one candidate in 35 years.

The vote was needed because former President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned.

Parliament had to choose a replacement within 90 days.

Alamgir took his oath on Friday at Bangabhaban.

The president is mostly a ceremonial leader, but the office has important constitutional duties.

Key facts

Winning candidate
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader
Vote result
Alamgir received 255 votes; Oli Ahmed received 88
Participation
343 of 349 eligible parliamentary voters cast ballots
Voting period
Voting took place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time
Historical significance
The first contested presidential election in Bangladesh since 1991
Oath ceremony
Alamgir was sworn in at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban on Friday
Constitutional deadline
Parliament must elect a new president within 90 days of a vacancy

Sources

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