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Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir: Former General Secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected as the 23rd President of the country today i.e. on 20 August 2026. He got 255 votes in the presidential elections held in the country's Parliament, Jatiya Sansad.

Alamgir defeated Oli Ahmed, the candidate of the 11-party opposition alliance led by the right-wing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the country's first major student-led political party, the National Citizens Party (NCP), who received 88 votes. In such a situation, let us know in detail who Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is.

Why were the elections not held?

A total of 343 Parliament members cast their votes in the elections. The election was held from 2 pm to 5 pm (local time) under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner ASM Nasir Uddin. The Chief Election Commissioner later announced the results, in which Alamgir was declared the new President. This election was also important because for the first time in 35 years, more than one candidate had participated in the Bangladeshi presidential election. In the last election, opposition parties did not field candidates, leaving only one candidate in the race.

How were the elections held this time?

When the ruling BNP declared Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as its presidential candidate, his election was already decided. However, this time, the appointment is more than just a ritual. It recognizes a politician who has played a role in leading his party through difficult years, which has earned him respect even outside the BNP.

Who is Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir?

For more than 15 years, he was the BNP's influential number two; He served as Secretary General for longer than any other person, and became the public face of the party. He first assumed the post of Acting Secretary General in March 2011 and was confirmed in that post in 2016. Those years were not easy at all. The BNP remained out of government for almost two decades, before returning to power in February 2016; Meaning, most of Fakhrul's tenure was spent facing the dictatorial rule of Sheikh Hasina.

During that time, Tariq Rehman was in London, while Khaleda Zia faced jail, house arrest or prolonged illness. Fakhrul became the most senior leader in Bangladesh, maintaining contact with party workers and implementing party decisions at the grassroots level. This was no small responsibility. There were periods when many BNP leaders and activists became inactive, went into hiding, or remained away from the public eye. There were also persistent rumors that a faction of the party might eventually compromise with the Hasina government. Despite intense pressure, Fakhrul stood firm, suppressing dissent and keeping the party united and politically vital.

Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was arrested 11 times

According to sources, he was arrested at least 11 times and spent about three and a half years in prison; During this period, at least 111 cases were registered against him. The BNP claims that between 2009 and September 2023, more than 141,000 cases were filed against its approximately five million members, and thousands were detained, harassed, or forcibly disappeared.

What are Fakhrul's views on relations with India?

Fakhrul emphasizes on resolving bilateral issues with India through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than engaging in an atmosphere of hostility or confrontation. Even on sensitive issues like Sheikh Hasina's extradition, he has made it clear that such actions should not damage relations between the two countries and should be resolved in accordance with proper legal and international rules. He is considered a liberal democratic leader, who is far from extremist, and who advocates stable and peaceful co-existence with other neighboring countries including India.

The post Who is Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir? Suffered oppression during the era of Sheikh Hasina, now becomes the President of Bangladesh; What is their stance on India appeared first on Tezzbuzz.