Who is Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir, Bangladesh President-elect? His stance on India and Sheikh Hasina

Bangladeshi lawmakers elected veteran opposition leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country's new President on Thursday. He defeated retired army Colonel Oli Ahmed in the first contested presidential election in 35 years. Alamgir, 78, is expected to take the oath of office on Friday at the Bangabhaban. Here are six key points about Bangladesh's newly elected President:

Alamgir is a long-standing BNP leader, having joined the party in the early 1990s and serving as secretary-general from 2016 until his presidential nomination. He was a vocal opposition figure during Sheikh Hasina's rule, frequently facing arrests and legal challenges.

Before his political career, Alamgir worked as a teacher after studying economics at the University of Dhaka. He has also held several ministerial positions, most recently as the local government minister.

Alamgir's election occurs months after the BNP regained power in the February 12 general election. While his presidency is largely ceremonial, he will serve as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, though executive power remains with the prime minister and cabinet.

The new President has taken a firm stance on India, urging Bangladesh's largest neighbor to respect the country's sovereignty and democratic aspirations. In December 2024, Alamgir criticized India for its actions in Bangladesh, including the attack on the Assistant High Commission in Agartala and protests at Bangladesh's diplomatic missions. He accused India of supporting Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after her government was ousted in 2024.

Alamgir has emphasized the importance of historical ties between Bangladesh and India, describing India as Bangladesh's greatest neighbor and friend. He warned against anti-Bangladesh rhetoric in India's domestic politics, fearing it could strain bilateral relations in the long term.