United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called upon Bangladeshi businesspeople living abroad to invest in the country and bring in foreign investment. He made the call when a delegation of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United Kingdom paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. Prominent UK-based Bangladeshi businessman Kamal Uddin led the delegation. They congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam on his election as president. The president recalled the significant contributions made by expatriate Bangladeshis including those living in the UK, through their money, labour and intellect to the movement for establishing justice, opposing fascism and restoring democracy in the country. “The country and its people will always remember the contributions and role of expatriates,” he said. During the meeting, the delegation sought the president’s cooperation in increasing various business and civic facilities including addressing harassment at airports and ensuring their right to vote. In response, the president said the government has already started working to address harassment at airports and expand voting opportunities and other civic facilities for expatriates. He said a ‘Probashi Card’ has been introduced to ensure comprehensive services and facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis. The president urged expatriates to become more actively involved in investment, employment generation, education, healthcare, technology, skills development and social welfare activities in the country. He particularly urged them to take advantage of the investment opportunities that have emerged in Bangladesh. Responding to the president’s call, the delegation expressed interest in investing in the country. The president also said, “You are representing Bangladesh in different countries around the world. You should project the country’s positive image abroad.” Noting that expatriates’ remittances are one of the main driving forces of the country’s economy, the president expressed his gratitude to them. President’s Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called upon police officials to discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and professionalism to maintain law and order and curb crimes in the country. The President made the call when Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President’s press secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the President said police must be extremely tough in suppressing criminals while ensuring fair and humane treatment of law-abiding citizens. He instructed police personnel to take immediate and appropriate measures to establish the rule of law. The President also directed the police chief to take effective measures to combat the spread of disinformation, misinformation, rumours, cybercrime, mugging, extortion and drugs, as well as to ensure the safety and security of women and children. He stressed the importance of keeping people regularly informed and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns on these issues. Noting that the current government is working to uphold people's fundamental and democratic rights, the President directed police member to continue taking effective measures to prevent extrajudicial killings, harassment of citizens and filing of false cases. During the meeting, the IGP briefed the President on various measures taken to strengthen the morale of the police force and to modernise and digitalise the force. He sought the President's overall cooperation in discharging the responsibilities of the police. The President assured him of his full cooperation. President's Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present during the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said there is scope to make the Bangladesh-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade more balanced and mutually beneficial, taking into account the economic realities and interests of both countries. The President said the agreement marked an important step towards expanding trade relations between the two countries. He came up with the remarks when US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the President recalled the past US investment and cooperation in the development of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, including support for the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. He urged the US to further increase investment and cooperation in the country’s agriculture sector. The President also highlighted the investment and significant role of US-based Chevron in Bangladesh’s energy sector and called for increased US investment in the country’s energy sector. He said Bangladesh has significant potential in various sectors, including information technology, infrastructure, healthcare and high-tech industries. The President also emphasised the importance of technology and skills transfer. He urged the United States to review and simplify the existing ‘visa bond’ system for Bangladeshi businesspeople and genuine tourists travelling to the US. He sought continued US support for ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. The US ambassador assured the President of continued cooperation and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN countries in this regard. During the meeting, Ambassador Christensen congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam on assuming the office of President and conveyed his best wishes to him. Thanking the ambassador, the President said the US is one of Bangladesh’s important development and trade partners. He said the existing trade relations between the two countries have been playing an important role in Bangladesh’s economic development. Bangladesh believes in maintaining friendly relations with all countries and expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the President said. He said Bangladesh attaches the highest importance to the principles of independence, sovereignty, national interest, mutual respect and equality in international relations. The President expressed hope that bilateral relations with the US would be further expanded in the days ahead through mutual respect and protection of shared interests. The US ambassador reaffirmed his country’s interest in further deepening and broadening its relations with Bangladesh. The President’s secretaries and senior government officials were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Wednesday as the Bhutanese monarch made a stopover in Dhaka while travelling from Singapore to Bhutan. The special aircraft carrying the Bhutanese King landed in Dhaka in the early hours and stayed at the airport for around an hour. During his stay, President Mirza Fakhrul held a courtesy meeting with the King at the VVIP Lounge. The two exchanged views in a cordial atmosphere on various issues of mutual interest. The President invited the Bhutanese King and members of the royal family to make a state visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. In response, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck invited the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan at their convenience. The Bhutanese King congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and extended his best wishes to him on assuming office as President. The President conveyed warm greetings from the people and government of Bangladesh to the King and members of the Bhutanese royal family. The Bhutanese monarch, in turn, extended his best wishes to the people and government of Bangladesh. During the meeting, President Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh and Bhutan share deep and historic ties. “Bhutan has always held a special place in our hearts, as it was the first country in the world to recognise Bangladesh on December 6, 1971,” he said. The President also recalled with deep respect the special affection and goodwill shown towards Bangladesh by the father of the present Bhutanese King, late King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Highlighting the shared aspirations of Bangladesh and Bhutan for development and prosperity, the Bhutanese King stressed the need to further expand bilateral cooperation in various areas, including education, trade and investment. King Jigme Khesar also briefed the President on his visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City project and sought Bangladesh’s participation and cooperation in the initiative. The President expressed keen interest in the project and appreciated the initiative. He said Bangladesh was ready to work closely with Bhutan to advance transformative initiatives in the region aimed at promoting mutual wellbeing, prosperity and sustainable development. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, the Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present during the courtesy meeting. The special aircraft carrying the Bhutanese King departed Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30am.  

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday stressed the need to expand and make more effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and village court systems to help reduce the growing backlog of cases. He made the remarks when Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the Chief Justice congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as the President. He briefed the President on various activities of the Supreme Court, court proceedings and the challenges facing the judiciary. President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam provided UNB with the details of the meeting. The Chief Justice highlighted various problems facing the judiciary, including a growing backlog of cases, shortage of skilled manpower and infrastructural constraints, and sought the President’s cooperation in addressing them. He said more cases are being filed every day than the number being disposed of, making it increasingly difficult to reduce the backlog. Mirza Fakhrul assured the Chief Justice of taking necessary steps to address the existing problems in the judiciary. The President’s Secretary, Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. The newly elected president arrived at the memorial at 10am and laid a floral wreath at the altar in honour of the martyrs. He then stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of respect. During the ceremony, a smartly turned-out contingent of the three armed forces presented a state salute, while a bugle played the Last Post.

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be sworn in as the 23rd President of Bangladesh this evening. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 7:30pm. Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal will administer the oath of the office of the President, according to Bangabhaban. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, cabinet members, and hundreds of distinguished guests are expected to attend the event. BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul was elected the President defeating his lone rival Col (retd) Oli Ahmad, the candidate of the 11-party opposition alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in the presidential election held on Thursday. Out of all 343 valid votes, Mirza Fakhrul secured 255, while Oli Ahmad got 88. Among the 349 voters, six lawmakers did not vote in the presidential election. The six voters who did not turn up include BNP lawmakers Mirza Abbas, Mostafa Kamal Pasha and Dr Muhammad Osman Farruk, independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana and Jamaat lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam. The Election Commission (EC) later issued a gazette notification declaring Mirza Fakhrul elected as the President of Bangladesh.

BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has unofficially been elected as the 23rd President of Bangladesh. Mirza Fakhrul defeated his lone rival Col (retd) Oli Ahmad, the contender from the 11-party opposition alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, by a huge margin in the presidential election held in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday. He obtained 255 votes, while Oli Ahmad polled 88. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, also Returning Officer of the election, announced the polls results after the balloting ended at 5:00pm. “Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has secured 255 votes. I declare that, having received the highest number of votes, he has been duly elected President,” Nasir Uddin announced. The Election Commission (EC) later issued a gazette notification declaring Mirza Fakhrul Islam as the President of Bangladesh. Out of all 343 valid votes, Mirza Fakhrul secured 255, while Oli Ahmad got 88, he said. Among the 349 voters, six lawmakers did not vote in the presidential election. The six voters who did not turn up are BNP lawmakers Mirza Abbas, Mostafa Kamal Pasha and Dr Muhammad Osman Farruk, independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana, Jamaat lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam and Islami Andolan Bangladesh lawmaker Md Oli Ullah. Soon after the announcement of the results, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated Mirza Fakhrul with a red rose. Immediately after the declaration, he rose from his seat, shook hands with the newly elected President and presented him with the red rose. Lawmakers across the Parliament Chamber congratulated Fakhrul by thumping their desks. The newly elected President then raised his hand and greeted the lawmakers, who continued applauding him by thumping their desks. Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher and other opposition lawmakers then came towards the treasury bench. Fakhrul left his seat and first embraced Shafiqur Rahman after opposition MPs came towards the treasury bench. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman then came forward from his seat and embraced Fakhrul. Tarique and Shafiqur Rahman also embraced each other. Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties subsequently exchanged greetings with the newly elected President. The atmosphere in the Parliament Chamber turned celebratory following the announcement of the results. Fakhrul later shook hands with CEC Nasir Uddin, who conducted the presidential election, and greeted other election officials. The Election Commission will now publish the election results in an official gazette by today. On the other hand, Bangabhaban is making preparations to arrange the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President on Friday evening. Earlier, voting was held from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, with Members of Parliament (MPs) casting their votes through an open ballot to elect the country’s 23rd President. At the beginning of the balloting, acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal cast their votes at 2:10pm, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Mirza Fakhrul cast theirs at 2:11pm. Just before the balloting, CEC Nasir Uddin announced the names of the two candidates and explained the voting procedure for MPs. Since the Chattogram-4 parliamentary seat remains vacant, the number of voters was 349. The voters include 247 BNP lawmakers, 77 Jamaat MPs, eight NCP lawmakers, eight independent MPs, three Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, and one each from Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, Khilafat Majlis, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Ganosamhati Andolon are allies of the ruling BNP. The ruling camp has 250 lawmakers. On the other hand, Jamaat, NCP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party are components of the 11-party opposition alliance. The opposition camp has 90 lawmakers in Parliament. The last contested presidential election was held on October 8, 1991, when BNP candidate Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated Awami League candidate Badrul Haider Chowdhury to become the country’s 11th President.  Abdur Rahman Biswas secured 172 votes, while Badrul Haider Chowdhury received 92. Since then, no voting was required in the successive presidential elections as a single candidate was elected uncontested in each election. On July 24 last, Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as President and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad took charge as the acting President. According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, an election to fill the vacant office of the President must be held within 90 days of the post becoming vacant due to resignation.

Voting in the presidential election is set to be held on Thursday after 35 years, with Members of Parliament to elect the country’s 23rd President through an open ballot. The balloting will be held in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad from 2pm to 5pm. A total of 349 MPs are eligible to cast their votes. Bangabhaban is making preparations to arrange the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President on Friday evening. BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and opposition Jamaat-led 11-party alliance contender Col (retd) Oli Ahmad are contesting the election.    With BNP holding an absolute majority in Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is widely expected to be elected as the country’s 23rd President. Under Article 70 of the Constitution, lawmakers, elected as candidates of political parties, will lose their seats if they vote for any candidate in this presidential election, going against their respective party’s decision. The last contested presidential election was held on October 8, 1991, when BNP candidate Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated Awami League candidate Badrul Haider Chowdhury to become the country’s 11th President.   Abdur Rahman Biswas secured 172 votes, while Badrul Haider Chowdhury received 92. Since then, no voting was required in the successive presidential elections as a single candidate was elected uncontested in each election. Addressing a pre-election press conference in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban on Wednesday, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, expressed optimism that they will be able to conduct the polls in a nice manner. “We don't have any sort of deficit in our preparation,” he said. The CEC said the election result will be published in the official gazette on Thursday, hours after the balloting. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Wednesday also said Bangladesh is going to witness a historic moment with the voting in the presidential election on Thursday afternoon.   “We will vote in the presidential election on Thursday after 35 years, Inshallah. Voting will begin at 2pm and continue until 5pm,” he said. He also said the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected President is scheduled for Friday evening at Bangabhaban. The Chief Whip came up with the announcement at a briefing after a meeting of the ruling BNP’s parliamentary party at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon. BNP presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present at the meeting. The Chief Whip said there will be live telecasts of parts of the voting process as per a joint decision taken by the Election Commission and Parliament. He said a live telecast will begin five minutes before the start of voting, showing the President, the Speaker, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir casting their votes. The remaining proceedings will be recorded, while another live telecast will begin five minutes before the close of voting. The announcement of the election results will also be broadcast live. “You will see a historic moment tomorrow. A new journey of democracy will begin,” Moni said. He said the newly elected President will take the oath of office at Bangabhaban at 7:30pm on Friday. Speaking about the upcoming election, the Chief Whip said the country was entering a new democratic journey under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He said the presidential election would allow people to witness once again how voting takes place in the country. The Election Commission on August 6 announced the schedule for the presidential election, fixing August 20 for voting. Just before the balloting in Parliament on Thursday afternoon, the CEC will brief the lawmakers, the electors on the voting procedure. Each ballot paper will have two parts — a counterfoil and the ballot portion. The counterfoil will contain three pieces of information and a blank space: the serial number, the name of the MP and the divisional number (constituency number) provided by the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat. An MP will sign his or her full name in the designated space before receiving the ballot paper. The names of the contesting candidates will be printed on the right-hand side of the ballot paper in alphabetical order in Bangla. There will be a designated space beside each candidate’s name where MPs will sign their full names and cast their votes. The MPs will then deposit their ballots into the designated ballot box. Ballots will be accepted until 5:00pm, after which counting will begin. A total of 349 MPs are voters in the presidential election as the Chattogram-4 parliamentary seat remains vacant. The voters include 247 BNP lawmakers, 77 Jamaat MPs, eight NCP lawmakers, eight independent MPs, three Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, and one each from Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, Khilafat Majlis, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Ganosamhati Andolon are allies of the ruling BNP. The ruling camp has 250 lawmakers who are expected to vote for Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in this presidential election. On the other hand, Jamaat, NCP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party are components of the 11-party opposition alliance. The opposition camp has 90 lawmakers in Parliament, who are expected to vote for Oli Ahmad. On July 24 last, Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as President and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad took charge as the acting President. According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, an election to fill the vacant office of the President must be held within 90 days of the post becoming vacant due to resignation.

President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram on Wednesday urged the nation to uphold the spirit of the July Mass Uprising, saying it should remain a guiding force in fulfilling the people's aspirations. "We must not lose July. We must carry the spirit of July in our hearts and transform the hopes and expectations of the people into reality. Let this be our pledge today," he said. The President made the remarks while addressing, as chief guest, an award-giving ceremony and discussion organised by the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat marking July Mass Uprising Day 2026. He also distributed prizes among the winners of essay and painting competitions. Acting Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal chaired the programme. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief Whip of Parliament Md Nurul Islam, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam addressed the event as special guests, while Jatiya Sangsad Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome speech. The President said the end of what he described as authoritarian rule came after 16 years of relentless struggle and sacrifice by countless people, including political activists who risked their lives in pro-democracy movements. He described the development as "a glorious chapter" in the nation's history that Bangladeshis would remember with pride for generations. Referring to an earlier programme he attended during the day, the President recounted meeting a young man who lost his eyesight during the July Mass Uprising. "I witnessed a heartbreaking scene where a mother led her blind son onto the stage. He lost both of his eyes during the July movement," he said, adding that ensuring justice for those who lost their lives or suffered permanent injuries during the uprising remains one of the foremost responsibilities of Parliament and the current government. He stressed that such responsibility is not short-term but a long-term national commitment. Acting Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal said August 5 had earned a place in the country's history alongside March 26 and December 16 as a day of pride and victory. He said while the victories of March 26 and December 16 were achieved against foreign occupation forces, the events of August 5 represented the defeat of what he termed "domestic fascist forces." The Acting Speaker also emphasised the need to foster patience, tolerance and a mature political culture to ensure the country does not deviate from the path of democracy in the future. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said meaningful reform must begin with a transformation of people's mindset, arguing that changes in laws or institutions alone would not be sufficient to build the desired state. He said democratic reform and reconstruction of the state structure should begin with the Constitution, the country's supreme law. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam said the student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, was the outcome of the united struggle of the people and created an opportunity to revive democracy in Bangladesh. He paid tribute to those killed during the July movement and alleged that the previous government had siphoned off large sums of money abroad, curtailed freedom of speech and fundamental rights, and established a climate of fear through enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and repression. He also expressed gratitude for what he described as the responsible and effective role played by the armed forces during the transition. Members of Parliament, whips, secretaries of different ministries and officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, among others, attended the programme.