Bangladesh’s parliament is set to elect a new president on Thursday, with BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expected to win the largely ceremonial post. Alamgir, 78, serves as secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and local government minister.
He is expected to secure the five-year presidency during the afternoon vote. If elected, Alamgir will become Bangladesh’s 23rd president and take office in a country of around 170 million people.
“I never thought that I would become the president — it is the infinite grace of the party and Almighty Allah,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“Even after becoming president, I wish to remain beside the people and serve them.”
BNP Leader Expected to Win Presidential Vote
Alamgir faces one other candidate, Oli Ahmed, who was nominated by an opposition alliance of 11 parties.
The alliance is led by Jamaat-e-Islami.
Parliament is expected to begin voting at around 2:00 pm local time.
Alamgir’s expected victory follows the BNP’s sweeping win in February’s general election.
The election marked the first national vote since the 2024 revolution that removed Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s BNP secured a landslide victory in the election.
The new president will largely hold a ceremonial position within Bangladesh’s political system.
Previous President Resigned in July
The presidential election follows the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin in July.
The 76-year-old former president was a close ally of Sheikh Hasina.
Known widely as “Chuppu”, Shahabuddin became president in 2023.
His five-year term was originally expected to continue until 2028.
However, he stepped down early while citing health concerns.
His resignation came amid growing political pressure following the change in government.
Sheikh Hasina Remains in India
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina remains in India after leaving Bangladesh.
She has refused to attend her trial in Dhaka.
In November, a Bangladeshi court found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death.
Rights organisations had previously accused her government of widespread abuses.
The allegations included the killing of political opponents, suppression of opposition groups and manipulation of courts.
Her administration was also accused of conducting elections that lacked meaningful competition.
Hasina’s departure marked a major turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s Political Career
Alamgir was born on January 26, 1948.
He entered politics while studying economics at Dhaka University.
He became involved in the 1969 uprising against Pakistan, which contributed to the political movement that eventually led to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. After completing his studies, Alamgir worked as an economics teacher.
He later entered government service before moving further into politics.
Throughout his political career, he held several ministerial responsibilities. These included positions related to agriculture, aviation and tourism.
However, he gained greater prominence as an opposition leader during Hasina’s rule.
At the time, BNP chief Khaleda Zia was imprisoned while her son Tarique Rahman lived in exile.
Alamgir was also repeatedly arrested under Hasina’s government.
He faced dozens of charges, which he described as politically motivated.
Alamgir Praised for Keeping BNP Organised
Alamgir has played a key role in maintaining the BNP’s political structure through years of opposition. The state news agency BSS said he was praised for “keeping the BNP organised and maintaining the party’s political presence during difficult times”.
His expected election would therefore mark a significant shift in his long political career. Alamgir is married to Rahat Ara Begum, a retired financial official.
The couple has two daughters.
If parliament elects him as expected, Alamgir will begin a five-year term as Bangladesh’s new president while the BNP government continues its efforts to reshape the country’s political system.
