Congratulations poured in from political leaders, foreign missions and prominent figures on Thursday evening after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected Bangladesh’s 23rd president, with messages expressing hopes that the veteran politician would uphold democracy, justice and the dignity of the country’s highest constitutional office.
Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman and Fakhrul’s presidential rival Col (retd) Oli Ahmad were among those congratulating him, while China and the United Kingdom were among the first foreign partners to publicly welcome his election.
Fakhrul defeated Oli, the candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance, by 255 votes to 88 in Thursday’s presidential election, the first contested race for Bangabhaban in nearly 35 years.
The Election Commission subsequently issued a gazette declaring him elected president.
Professor Yunus extended his “heartfelt congratulations and best wishes” to Fakhrul, describing his political career of more than five decades as closely intertwined with Bangladesh’s political history.
He said: “His organizational skills, wisdom, leadership during times of crisis, and extensive experience working closely with people at the grassroots level have established him as a distinctive figure in the country’s national politics.”
Yunus expressed confidence that Fakhrul’s background as an academic, seasoned politician and “man of principle” would help him further uphold the dignity of the presidency.
He said: “I look forward to Bangladesh advancing towards greater prosperity, justice, and democracy under the leadership of President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. I wish his excellency good health, a long life, and every success in the discharge of his responsibilities.”
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was among the first to congratulate Fakhrul immediately after the result was announced inside the National Parliament.
Tarique shook hands with Fakhrul, presented him with a red rose and later embraced him as lawmakers thumped their desks in congratulations.
The celebrations also produced a display of political cordiality across the aisle, with opposition leaders approaching the treasury bench after the result.
Opposition Leader and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman congratulated Fakhrul and expressed hope that he would use his “utmost ability and wisdom” to uphold justice and democracy and protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on being elected the 23rd president,” Shafiqur said in a Facebook post.
Col (retd) Oli Ahmad also congratulated Fakhrul after losing the presidential contest.
In a message, the LDP chairman expressed hope that Fakhrul would uphold the Constitution and discharge his responsibilities with firmness and competence while safeguarding independence, democracy and justice.
Oli also wished him good health and a long life.
The gesture came after a rare competitive presidential election. Bangladesh had not witnessed a contested vote for the presidency since 1991.
China, UK among first foreign well-wishers
Foreign congratulations also began arriving shortly after Fakhrul’s victory.
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka said: “Warm congratulations to Mirza Fakharul Islam Alamgir on his election as president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.”
China said it attached great importance to its relationship with Bangladesh and was ready to work closely with Dhaka to deepen bilateral cooperation and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.
The British High Commission also congratulated Fakhrul, signalling its intention to work with the new head of state.
It said: “The UK looks forward to working with Hon. President Fakhrul and the Government of Bangladesh to further strengthen the close and longstanding partnership between our two countries.”
As of Thursday evening, searches of current published reports found these as the principal publicly reported congratulations; additional messages from foreign governments and political leaders may follow after Fakhrul formally takes office.
The 78-year-old veteran politician is expected to be sworn in on Friday evening, completing his transition from longtime BNP secretary general and Cabinet minister to Bangabhaban.