Bangladesh is set to hold its presidential election today, August 20, 2026. Lawmakers will choose between two candidates: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a leader of the ruling BNP party, and Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, representing an opposition alliance.
The vote marks the first presidential election in 35 years. Voting will take place at the Parliament building from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Election Commission confirmed both candidates’ nominations as valid on August 16.
Mr. Alamgir, 78, addressed BNP lawmakers yesterday, asking for their support. He apologized for any mistakes during his tenure and promised to protect the country’s independence. He became emotional during his speech, breaking down in tears several times.
The new president will take office on Friday at Darbar Hall. The election was triggered by Mohammed Shahabuddin’s resignation last month due to health issues. Parliamentary Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is currently acting as president.
Under the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days of the previous president’s vacancy. The BNP, which won the February 12 elections with a two-thirds majority in Parliament, is confident Mr. Alamgir will win.
If elected, Mr. Alamgir would become Bangladesh’s 23rd President. He has been a key BNP leader for over two decades, serving as acting secretary general from 2011 and formally taking the role in 2016. He played a significant role during the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The president in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial but holds key powers, such as appointing the Prime Minister and chief justice. While the President is the supreme commander of the armed forces, these powers are typically exercised on the Prime Minister’s advice.
Analysts suggest Mr. Alamgir’s nomination aligns with the BNP’s election promise to strengthen presidential powers through constitutional amendments. The presidency could gain more importance under a caretaker government system during general elections.
Mr. Alamgir started his political career in the 1970s as a student activist during Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan. After joining the BNP in the early 1990s, he held roles including State Minister for Agriculture and Civil Aviation. He was recently appointed Local Government Minister after the BNP returned to power this year.