Bangladesh: Voting to elect president in first contested poll in 35 years
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Dhaka, August 20: Bangladesh began voting on Thursday to elect its 23rd president, with lawmakers choosing between ruling BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Colonel Oli Ahmed, the candidate backed by the 11-party opposition alliance.
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The presidential election is being held from the parliament, with lawmakers casting their votes until 5 PM today. The contest is significant as it marks the first presidential election in Bangladesh in 35 years to feature more than one candidate.
The newly elected president is scheduled to take the oath of office tomorrow evening at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban, the official residence and workplace of the Bangladeshi president.
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The election comes at a politically significant time for Bangladesh, with the country witnessing major political changes in recent months.
The presidential election was necessitated by the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin, who stepped down last month citing health reasons.
Shahabuddin, who was considered a close aide of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned before completing his five-year presidential term, triggering the need for a fresh election.