Bangladesh lawmakers elect BNP's Alamgir as president
The longtime opposition figure's party came to power after the 2024 revolution, which ousted the government of Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh's Parliament chose BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the nation's new president on Thursday. The ruling BNP, which controls over two-thirds of the parliamentary seats, selected Alamgir, defeating 87-year-old opposition candidate Oli Ahmed. With 255 votes to Oli's 88, Alamgir was elected as the 23rd president of the 173 million-strong country.
This election marked the first contested presidential vote since 1991, when Bangladesh transitioned to a parliamentary democracy. Alamgir, 78, expressed his vision for a prosperous state during his campaign, promising a welfare-oriented society for marginalized communities. After taking office, he will assume the role of head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
China, Bangladesh's close ally, congratulated Alamgir on his victory, expressing hope for a shared future in the new era.
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