Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir is Bangladesh’s new President—Here’s why this election is historic

In the closely watched election, Alamgir, one of the BNP's top leaders and a prominent opposition figure during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government, defeated his rival, former Colonel Oli Ahmad, by a commanding 255-88 margin.

Alamgir, who has served as the BNP's secretary general, now begins a new chapter in his political career with his election to the country's highest constitutional office.

The election was significant as it ended more than three decades of uncontested presidential races in Bangladesh.

Announcing the result, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, who served as the returning officer, told the Dhaka Tribune: "Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has secured 255 votes. I declare that, having received the highest number of votes, he has been duly elected president."

Of the 349 eligible lawmakers, 343 cast their votes, according to reports. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance secured 88 votes.

Six lawmakers did not vote. They included BNP MPs Mirza Abbas, Mostafa Kamal Pasha and Dr Muhammad Osman Faruk; independent MP Rumeen Farhana; Jamaat MP Gazi Nazrul Islam; and Islami Andolan Bangladesh MP Md Oli Ullah.

The presidency in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial, with executive power resting primarily with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

PM Tarique Rahman wishing President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election Photo: PID Bangladesh/Facebook

However, the President serves as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, making the election significant for a country that has experienced major political upheaval since 2024.

The presidential election came just months after the BNP returned to power following a sweeping victory in the February 12 general election. The BNP and its allies now hold a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

The political transition followed the dramatic ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government on August 5, 2024, after weeks of violent student-led protests.

The presidential election was necessitated by the recent resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin on health grounds, before the completion of his five-year term. Shahabuddin, who was considered close to Hasina, had been elected President in 2023 during the Awami League's tenure.

Hasina has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh and recently expressed her intention to return to the country.

Wishes Pour In For New President

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was among the first to congratulate Alamgir on his election.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, Tarique shook hands with Fakhrul, presented him with a red rose and later embraced him as lawmakers thumped their desks in celebration.

Nobel laureate and former head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, also congratulated Alamgir on his election as the country's 23rd President.

In his message, Yunus praised Alamgir's more than five decades of political experience, describing him as a distinctive figure in Bangladesh's national politics due to his organisational skills, leadership during crises and extensive grassroots experience.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman also congratulated Alamgir.

"The election for the 23rd President of Bangladesh was held today, August 20, 2026. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as the 23rd President," he wrote on Facebook.

China also congratulated Alamgir on his election. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka said it attaches great importance to its relations with Bangladesh and expressed its willingness to work with the new government to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The British High Commission in Dhaka also congratulated Alamgir.

"Congratulations to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as the President of Bangladesh," it said in an Instagram post.

"The UK looks forward to working with Hon. President Fakhrul and the Government of Bangladesh to further strengthen the close and longstanding partnership between our two countries," it added.