Kathmandu [Nepal], August 21 – Bangladesh has elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country’s new president marking the first direct presidential election in nearly 35 years.
Alamgir secured 255 votes in Thursday’s parliamentary election defeating his rival retired Colonel Oli Ahmed who received 88 votes. His election makes him Bangladesh’s 23rd president.
A senior BNP leader and one of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s prominent opponents Alamgir played a key role in steering the party through politically difficult periods. He was also arrested several times during his political career.
The presidency in Bangladesh is traditionally regarded as a largely ceremonial position with executive authority concentrated elsewhere. However, proposed political reforms could give the president greater powers in the future.
Supporters of the reforms say strengthening the presidency could help create a better balance of power among the country’s top political leaders.
Alamgir’s election comes at a significant political moment for Bangladesh where the BNP has sought to strengthen its position after years of political confrontation with Hasina’s leadership.
The election also puts Alamgir a veteran opposition figure in a key constitutional position as Bangladesh considers changes to its political and governance system.
