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Bangladesh Elects Mirza Fakhrul as 23rd President

8/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bangladesh’s parliament elected Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the 23rd President.
Alamgir received 255 votes while opponent Oli Ahmed obtained 88, with six MPs abstaining.
The election was Bangladesh’s first contested presidential poll since 1991, following President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s July resignation on health grounds.
China and the United Kingdom congratulated Alamgir, expressing hopes for stronger bilateral ties.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 Bangladesh restored a parliamentary system, and the 330-member Jatiya Sangsad elected former army chief Abdur Rahman Biswas by 172 votes, the last contested presidential vote until today. The 2023 indirect election saw opposition leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir receive 255 votes against Oli Ahmed’s 88, reviving the competitive tradition that began with the 1991 shift.

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Story summary

Bangladesh’s parliament elected Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the 23rd President.
Alamgir received 255 votes while opponent Oli Ahmed obtained 88, with six MPs abstaining.
The election was Bangladesh’s first contested presidential poll since 1991, following President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s July resignation on health grounds.
China and the United Kingdom congratulated Alamgir, expressing hopes for stronger bilateral ties.

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