Sheikh HasinaMirza Fakhrul Islam AlamgirMohammed ShahabuddinTarique RahmanOli AhmedKhaleda ZiaHafiz Uddin AhmadLiberal Democratic PartyBangladesh Nationalist PartyElection CommissionJamaat-e-Islami

Bangladesh holds first contested presidential election in 35 years as 349 lawmakers cast ballots; result due after counting, oath set for Friday

Bangladesh held its first contested presidential election in 35 years on Thursday, with 349 lawmakers voting. Ruling BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir faces Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed. Results are expected after counting, with the new president set to take the oath on Friday evening.

The Hindu The Hindu20 August 2026 · 09:55 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Bangladesh's presidential election on Thursday marked a significant political shift, being the first contested election for the post since 1991.12

The voting took place in the Jatiya Sangsad, with 349 lawmakers eligible to cast their ballots.

Ruling party candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, 78, is competing against Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, 84, of the opposition alliance.3

This election was necessitated by the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin, who stepped down for health reasons.

The Election Commission will announce the results after counting, with the new president set to take the oath on Friday evening at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban.45

The BNP, which holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, has positioned Alamgir favorably for victory.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated Alamgir, emphasizing his commitment to the country's independence and sovereignty.

If elected, Alamgir will become Bangladesh's 23rd President.

Key Insight
“The ruling BNP's Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, 78, faces LDP chairperson Oli Ahmed, 84, nominee of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance. The Election Commission will publish the result in the official gazette before the president-elect's oath at Bangabhaban on Friday evening.”
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The HinduThe Hindu
“Bangladesh's presidential election got under way on Thursday, with lawmakers in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.”
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