Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was sworn in as Bangladesh’s 23rd president on Friday evening at Bangabhaban. Acting Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal administered the oath. The prime minister, cabinet members, civilian and military officials, and other distinguished guests attended the ceremony. The report was published on August 21, 2026.

The presidency became vacant after former President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu resigned on July 24, citing health reasons. Under constitutional provisions, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed assumed presidential duties on the same day. Mirza Fakhrul was elected president by members of parliament on Thursday.

In the parliamentary vote, Mirza Fakhrul received 255 votes out of 349, while the 11-party candidate, retired Colonel Oli Ahmed, received 88 votes. Six lawmakers from the government and opposition did not vote. The ruling BNP held more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, making its candidate’s victory certain, although voting was held because there was a challenger. The report says this was the first presidential election vote in 35 years, after presidents had previously been elected unanimously.