Congratulatory messages have continued to arrive for Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir since his election as Bangladesh’s 23rd president on Thursday, with France and Switzerland the latest foreign missions to formally welcome his victory, joining China and the United Kingdom among the first international partners to respond.
What France and Switzerland Said
The French and Swiss embassies in Dhaka issued separate statements congratulating Fakhrul on his election. The Swiss Embassy described Switzerland as a longstanding partner of Bangladesh and said it looked forward to further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries under the new presidency. The messages placed both European nations alongside China and the UK, all of whom responded within hours of the result being announced in parliament on Thursday evening.
China and the UK’s Response
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka said it attached great importance to its relations with Bangladesh and expressed readiness to work closely with the Bangladeshi side to build what it called a shared future between the two countries. The British High Commission welcomed Fakhrul’s election in a statement and on social media, saying it looked forward to working with him and the Bangladeshi government to strengthen what it described as a close and longstanding partnership.
A Historic Vote in Parliament
Fakhrul’s election marked Bangladesh’s first genuinely contested presidential race in nearly 35 years. He secured 255 votes in the 349-member Jatiya Sangsad, defeating Col (retd) Oli Ahmad, the nominee of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, who polled 88 votes. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, serving as the election officer, declared the result around 5:20 pm on Thursday, prompting lawmakers to thump their desks in celebration inside the parliament chamber.
Domestic Leaders Weigh In
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was among the first to congratulate Fakhrul, presenting him with a red rose and embracing him as lawmakers applauded. Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, who led Bangladesh’s interim government following the fall of the previous administration, extended his congratulations as well, describing Fakhrul’s more than five decades in politics as closely intertwined with the country’s political history and praising his organisational skills and grassroots experience.
“I look forward to Bangladesh advancing towards greater prosperity, justice, and democracy under the leadership of President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.”
Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman, whose Jamaat-e-Islami backed Fakhrul’s rival, also congratulated him in a Facebook post, expressing hope that he would uphold justice and strengthen democracy. Fakhrul’s defeated opponent, Oli Ahmad, congratulated him as well, and opposition lawmakers approached the treasury bench after the announcement in what was described as a notable display of political cordiality following the contest.
Formal Declaration
The Election Commission has since issued a gazette formally declaring Fakhrul president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, in accordance with Rule 12(6) of the Presidential Election Rules, 1991, following the Returning Officer’s declaration under the Presidential Election Act, 1991.
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Why This Matters
The scale and speed of the international response, spanning Europe, the UK and China within hours of the result, reflects the significance of Bangladesh holding its first competitive presidential election since 1991. With domestic political figures across the spectrum, from the ruling party to the opposition, also offering their congratulations, the transition has so far been marked by a degree of cross-party cordiality that will likely be closely watched as Fakhrul begins his term as head of state.
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