Bangladesh holds presidential election in first contested vote in 35 years

Bangladesh is making history as it holds its first contested presidential election in 35 years. The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is up against the opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami in the parliamentary chamber on Thursday between 08:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT. Former army officer Oli Ahmad, the nominee of the Jamaat-led opposition alliance, is pitted against Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP candidate.

Despite the opposition alliance holding a slim numerical advantage, the outcome appears to be a foregone conclusion. BNP lawmaker Anwarul Islam spoke highly of Fakhrul's personal integrity and stated that people in his constituency have enormous affection for him. However, construction site manager Abdul Baten expressed his preference for Oli Ahmad, noting he is a seasoned politician.

The president in Bangladesh is the head of state but has little independent executive authority. The election is seen as a symbolic event for a country reshaping its institutions after the 2024 uprising that ended Hasina's 15 years of rule.