Mirza Fakhrul sworn in as president of Bangladesh
The veteran BNP leader has become the country's 23rd head of the state by winning the first presidential election in 35 years.
Former BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has taken oath as Bangladesh's 23rd president at the historic Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban this evening (21 August).
Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal administered the oath to Mirza Fakhrul at around 7:30pm, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani conducted the oath-taking ceremony.
The newly elected president's motorcade entered Bangabhaban at around 5:50pm.
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The ceremony began with the recitation of the Quran. Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, the chief justice, cabinet members, lawmakers, foreign diplomats and senior civilian and military officials attended the ceremony.
The Cabinet Division said more than 1,200 guests were invited to the oath-taking ceremony.
Security was tightened around Bangabhaban ahead of the ceremony, with law enforcement agencies increasing their presence in the area from the afternoon. Security was also strengthened at the entrances to Bangabhaban and several points in the surrounding area.
Before heading to Bangabhaban, Mirza Fakhrul paid his respects at the graves of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
He laid wreaths at their graves and stood silently for a while before offering Fateha and prayers. Earlier in the day, he attended Friday prayers at Staff Quarters Jame Mosque on Bailey Road.
Mirza Fakhrul was elected president on Thursday after securing 255 votes in the presidential election held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Voting took place in the parliament chamber from 2pm to 5pm. Mirza Fakhrul contested the election as the BNP's candidate, while the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami nominated retired Colonel Oli Ahmed.
Oli Ahmad received 88 votes.
Following the announcement of the results, the Election Commission published a gazette formally declaring Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir elected as Bangladesh's 23rd president.
The presidential election was contested by multiple candidates for the first time in 35 years since the parliamentary system was restored in 1991, when candidates from both the BNP and Awami League contested the election.
Former president Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned from office on 24 July.
Under the Constitution, then-Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed assumed the responsibilities of president, while Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal took over as acting speaker.
