Dhaka: Voting in the presidential election is set to occur on Thursday after a 35-year hiatus, as Members of Parliament gather to elect the nation's 23rd President through an open ballot. The balloting is scheduled to take place in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad from 2pm to 5pm, with 349 MPs eligible to cast their votes.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangabhaban is preparing to host the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President on Friday evening. The election sees BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir competing against opposition Jamaat-led 11-party alliance contender Col (retd) Oli Ahmad. With the BNP holding a significant majority in Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is anticipated to secure the presidency.
Under Article 70 of the Constitution, lawmakers face the risk of losing their seats if they vote contrary to their party's decision in this election. The last contested presidential election in Bangladesh was held on October 8, 1991. BNP candidate Abdur Rahman Biswas triumphed over Awami League candidate Badrul Haider Chowdhury, marking the country's 11th presidency. Since then, presidential elections have not required voting as single candidates were elected uncontested.
During a pre-election press conference at Nirbachan Bhaban, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin expressed confidence in the electoral process. He assured that there were no deficiencies in preparation and stated that the election results would be published in the official gazette on the same day as the balloting.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating that Bangladesh would witness a historic moment with the presidential election. He confirmed that the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President is scheduled for Friday evening at Bangabhaban. Moni announced that parts of the voting process would be broadcast live, providing transparency and allowing citizens to witness the democratic process.
This election marks a significant democratic milestone for Bangladesh, as MPs prepare to cast their votes. The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the presidential election on August 6, setting the voting date for August 20. In preparation for the balloting, lawmakers will be briefed on the voting procedure, which involves a two-part ballot paper system.
The election involves 349 MPs as voters, with a diverse representation from various political parties. The ruling BNP is anticipated to support Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while the opposition Jamaat-led alliance is expected to back Oli Ahmad. This election comes in the wake of Mohammed Shahabuddin's resignation as President, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad currently serving as acting President. The Constitution mandates an election within 90 days to fill a presidential vacancy due to resignation.