Fakhrul sworn in as 23rd president
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir became Bangladesh’s 23rd president on Friday, formally taking charge as head of state in a ceremony at Bangabhaban that marked the completion of the constitutional process following his election by parliament.
Fakhrul took the oath at 7:30pm in the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban.
Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal administered the oath, after which Acting President Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed formally handed over the responsibilities of the presidency to the newly sworn-in president.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman, members of the Cabinet, Chief Justice, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, diplomats, political leaders and members of parliament attended the ceremony.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani conducted the programme. Sources at the Cabinet Division said around 1,200 distinguished guests had been invited to witness the formal transition.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran, formally marking the beginning of Fakhrul’s tenure as head of state.
Fakhrul’s assumption of office follows Thursday’s presidential election in parliament, in which he contested as the BNP candidate.
He secured 255 votes, defeating Oli Ahmed, the candidate backed by the 11-party alliance, who received 88 votes.
The parliamentary election cleared the way for Friday’s formal transfer of presidential responsibilities and completed the constitutional process for Fakhrul to assume the presidency.
Security was strengthened in and around Bangabhaban ahead of the ceremony.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police introduced special traffic arrangements in the area from 3pm to 9pm to facilitate the movement of vehicles carrying invited guests and maintain security around the presidential complex.
Fakhrul’s swearing-in brings a new political figure to the country’s highest constitutional office at a significant juncture, with the government, parliament, opposition and diplomatic community represented at the formal transition.
His presidency begins with the country’s major political institutions represented at Bangabhaban, underscoring the significance of the change in the head of state.
