'There was no scope for anything else': Oli Ahmad on presidential polls result

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman and presidential candidate Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad has alleged that the outcome of the presidential election was predetermined, saying democracy is "controlled" because MPs cannot vote according to their own choice.

"The result of the presidential election has been determined. There is no scope for anything else to happen here. No MP can vote according to his own wishes. Democracy is controlled here. They have to vote wherever the party tells them to," Oli said.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at his residence in Mohakhali DOHS in Dhaka this afternoon (20 August), reports Prothom Alo.

His comments came shortly before BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected the President of Bangladesh with 255 votes. Oli received 88 votes, while 343 of the 349 eligible MPs cast ballots.

Oli, who contested as the candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, said Article 70 of the Constitution prevents MPs from voting against their party's position, as doing so would result in the loss of their parliamentary seats.

He said BNP had pledged under its 31-point reform agenda to repeal Article 70 after coming to power.

"There is an obligation to hold the election within 90 days, but I do not know why BNP arranged the election in such a hurry," he said. "Perhaps they thought their candidate would win if the election was held before the Constitution was amended, while an amendment could create problems."

Oli thanked those who supported his candidacy, claiming that several surveys had shown 68-70% public support for him, compared with 28-30% for Mirza Fakhrul.

"Through this, the people have clearly expressed their opinion," he said.

Speaking about the powers of the president, Oli said the office has limited scope for independent action.

"There are three mazars and a mosque at Bangabhaban. Apart from visiting the mazars and offering prayers at the mosque, there is little scope for the president to work independently," he said, expressing hope that a balance of power would be established in the future.

Oli said many young people had sacrificed their lives during the 2024 mass uprising for good governance and accountability.

"Unless good governance and accountability are ensured in every sphere, people will not be able to live in peace," he said.

Oli also congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on his election and urged him to work for the country's interests.

"We have worked together for a long time. We expect some good things from you. I hope you will rise above everything and work for the welfare of the country," he said.

He also urged the newly elected president to reflect people's expectations through his actions and ensure that they are not deprived of good governance, justice and relief from public suffering.

Oli Ahmad congratulates Fakhrul on election as president

11-party alliance-backed presidential candidate and LDP Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmad has congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as the country's 23rd president.

In a congratulatory message today (20 August), Oli Ahmad expressed hope that the newly elected president would perform his duties with firmness and competence to uphold the country's independence, democracy and justice as the guardian of the state and the Constitution.

He also wished the new president good health and a long life.

The message was sent to the media by 11-party alliance coordinator and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad.