‘As guardian of the state, hope he’ll uphold democracy’: Shafiqur congratulates Fakhrul

Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has congratulated president-elect Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on being elected the 23rd President of Bangladesh,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page at 5:30pm today.

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“I hope that in the days ahead, as the guardian of the state, he will use his utmost competence and wisdom to establish justice, uphold democracy, and protect the independence and sovereignty of the country,” he added.

“I wish the newly elected President Mr Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir good health and a long life,” the Jamaat chief further wrote.

Earlier today, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected president with 255 votes in the presidential election. His rival, Oli Ahmed, the candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, secured 88 votes.

With the election, Mirza Fakhrul is set to move into Bangabhaban as the successor to Mohammed Shahabuddin.

For the first time in three and a half decades, there was more than one candidate in a presidential election.

MPs cast their votes in the parliament chamber from 2pm to 5pm today.

BNP, which formed the government with a two-thirds majority in parliament, nominated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for the presidency.

The president-elect will take oath at Bangabhaban at 7:30pm tomorrow. Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal will administer the oath.