Bangladesh elects Alamgir in first contested presidential vote in 35 years

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a veteran leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was elected as the country's new president on Thursday, marking a significant political transition as the opposition figure assumes the ceremonial head of state role. The 78-year-old secured 255 votes in a parliamentary election, defeating his sole rival, retired army colonel Oli Ahmed, who received 88 votes.

The election, held at the Jatiya Sangsad parliament, was the first contested presidential race in Bangladesh in 35 years. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the results after 343 of the 349 eligible lawmakers cast their ballots. Alamgir is scheduled to take the oath of office on Friday evening at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban.

The vote was triggered by the resignation of former President Mohammed Shahabuddin on July 24, citing health reasons. Shahabuddin, a close ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had been elected unopposed in 2023 and was midway through his five-year term. His departure created a constitutional vacancy that required a new presidential election within 90 days.

Alamgir's victory was widely anticipated, as the ruling BNP and its allies command a...