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Bangladesh Parliament Elects BNP Veteran Alamgir as President

Bangladesh Parliament Elects BNP Veteran Alamgir as President
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir elected Bangladesh’s 23rd president · wionews.com

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

He is a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP.

Alamgir received 255 votes, while Oli Ahmed received 88.

Six of the 349 registered lawmakers did not vote.

This was the first contested presidential election in Bangladesh since 1991.

The election was needed because former President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned, saying he was ill.

Parliament held the vote in Dhaka on Thursday.

Alamgir is expected to take his oath at Bangabhaban on Friday evening.

Key facts

Winner
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate
Vote result
Alamgir won 255 votes; Oli Ahmed received 88
Participation
343 of 349 registered parliamentary voters cast ballots; six did not vote
Historical significance
The election was Bangladesh’s first contested presidential poll since 1991
Oath ceremony
Scheduled for Friday evening at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban
Predecessor
Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned in July on health grounds before completing his five-year term
Election official
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the result and served as returning officer

Quotes

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir

BNP secretary‑general and newly elected president

“"I never thought that I would become the president -- it is the infinite grace of the party and almighty Allah."”
firstpost.com deccanchronicle.com
“"I will remain beside the people and serve them."”
firstpost.com

Sources

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