Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remained seated in the Parliament Chamber for more than an hour after voting began in the presidential election on Thursday, exchanging greetings and speaking with lawmakers.

BNP presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was seated beside the Prime Minister, followed by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and veteran lawmaker Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.

As the Prime Minister remained at his seat, lawmakers gathered in front of him. Tarique spoke with them smilingly and enquired about their wellbeing.

Earlier, the Prime Minister cast his vote in the presidential election alongside BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul, drawing applause from ruling party lawmakers.

At around 2:10pm, the Prime Minister rose from his seat and walked to the ballot box with Fakhrul who was sitting beside him.

At 2:11pm, Tarique collected his ballot paper and cast his vote, prompting BNP lawmakers to thump their desks in applause.

Moments later, Fakhrul cast his ballot, with members of the ruling party again welcoming the moment by thumping their desks.

At 3:13pm, the Prime Minister left the Parliament Chamber for his office, taking BNP presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir with him.

Voting in the presidential election was scheduled to continue until 5pm.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony, Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddoula Suzon and Assistant Press Secretary AKM Nazmul Haque visited the press gallery to observe the voting process and exchange greetings with journalists.

Only two galleries were kept open for journalists during the voting, while the remaining galleries were closed.