Mirza Fakhrul sworn-in as Bangladesh president
The veteran BNP leader has become the country's 23rd head of the state by winning the first presidential election in 35 years.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has taken oath as the 23rd president of Bangladesh.
He formally assumed office as the country's highest constitutional post through an swearing-in ceremony at the historic Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban today (21 August).
Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal administered the oath at 7:30pm.
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Fakhrul arrived at Bangabhaban with his motorcade around 5:50pm, reports BSS. He was welcomed by the Military Secretary to the President and other senior officials, who escorted him to VVIP Chair-1, where acting president Hafiz Uddin Ahmad received him.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was then welcomed by the acting president before taking his designated seat. Later, the acting president and president-elect proceeded to the Credential Hall, where a ceremonial band greeted them.
The ceremony began with the national anthem. With the acting president's permission, the Cabinet Division secretary initiated the oath-taking proceedings.
The proceedings opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran. The Cabinet Division secretary then presented the relevant presidential election laws and requested the acting speaker to administer the oath.
After taking the oath, Fakhrul signed the oath of office and oath of secrecy. He and the outgoing acting president then exchanged seats, symbolising the formal transfer of office.
The ceremony concluded with the national anthem. Later, President Fakhrul administered the oath and the oath of secrecy to four new ministers and two new state ministers.
The Cabinet Division said over 1,200 guests were invited, including the chief justice, cabinet members, foreign diplomats, members of parliament, and senior civil and military officials.
Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and former interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus were also among the guests.
Security was tightened around Bangabhaban from the afternoon, with additional law enforcement deployed at its main entrances and several points in the surrounding area.
Before going to Bangabhaban, Fakhrul visited the graves of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. He laid wreaths, observed a moment of silence, and recited Fateha and offered prayers. Earlier, he offered Juma prayers at Staff Quarters Jame Mosque on Bailey Road.
The presidential election was held on Thursday in the parliamentary chamber of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Fakhrul contested as the BNP candidate, while retired Colonel Oli Ahmed ran as the candidate of an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami.
Fakhrul, a veteran politician and former BNP secretary general, secured 255 votes against Oli's 88. Following the announcement of the results, the Election Commission published a gazette formally declaring Fakhrul the country's 23rd president.
The presidential election had last been contested in 1991, following the restoration of the parliamentary system, when both the BNP and Awami League fielded candidates. After 35 years, the presidency was contested by more than one candidate again.
Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as president on 24 July. Under the Constitution, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad assumed the duties of president, while Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal took over as acting speaker.
