BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul and LDP’s Oli Ahmed vie for presidency as 349 lawmakers cast ballots

Parliament members cast their ballots this afternoon to elect the next president in a contest steeped in ceremony rather than suspense, with the outcome already assured.

Bangladesh is heading towards its 13th presidential election today, but the country’s history of choosing its head of state tells a story of shrinking political competition.

Fakhrul steps down from his party posts following his nomination

BNP is set to announce party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as its presidential candidate today after party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman gave him green light

His possible move to Bangabhaban could trigger cabinet reshuffle and BNP leadership changes

BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is likely to be the party’s nominee for president and subsequently become the head of state, according to multiple party sources.

NCP yet to decide

Nomination papers to be submitted on Aug 13; scrutiny begins on Aug 16

Following existing constitutional arrangement before necessary amendments would undermine spirit of July Uprising, says party

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal told reporters at the Election Commission that Shahabuddin, the ruling party nominee, was elected unopposed