After six decades in politics, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reached the peak of his career on Friday as he took oath as Bangladesh’s president and prepared to move into Bangabhaban.
Though the Constitution limits the president’s executive authority, expectations remain high because of Fakhrul’s long political experience, personal reputation and ties with both the government and his party.
A day after being elected by lawmakers in the first contested presidential election in 35 years, Fakhrul took oath` before Acting Speaker Kaysar Kamal at an elaborate ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban on Friday evening.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, ministers, state ministers and several hundred guests attended the ceremony conducted by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani.
Fakhrul is expected to move into the official residence on Sunday.
Taking the oath, Fakhrul said, “I, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, do solemnly swear or affirm that I shall faithfully discharge the duties of the office of president of Bangladesh in accordance with law. I shall bear true faith and allegiance to Bangladesh. I shall preserve, support and protect the Constitution. I shall act according to law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will towards all.”
A former left-leaning student activist in the 1960s, Fakhrul left teaching to enter politics and gradually built an image of moderation, tolerance and democratic values.
Under the Constitution, however, the president’s powers remain limited. Except for appointing the prime minister and chief justice, the president must act according to the prime minister’s advice. The president can return bills passed by parliament for reconsideration, though this power has been exercised only twice since the parliamentary system was restored in 1991.
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna told TIMES that despite constitutional limitations, Fakhrul could still play a meaningful role.
“What can he do beyond the constitutional position? Whatever he does will have to be based on the prime minister’s advice. However, given his political experience, if he wishes, he can hold discussions with people from different sections and professions of society, beyond the ruling party and opposition, and take social or other positive initiatives.”
Fakhrul’s acceptance beyond BNP has been discussed for years. He led the party during difficult periods and played a key coordinating role between BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Bangladesh and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in the United Kingdom.
Politicians say his biggest challenge will be maintaining public trust as the guardian of the Constitution and contributing to national unity, democratic values and stronger institutions.
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told TIMES, “We have got a true patriot. To him, not only BNP or party activists, but all people of the country are equal. Everyone in the country is now looking towards him. We expect that he will do well.”
Oath ceremony
Fakhrul entered Bangabhaban at around 7pm and later joined Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Durbar Hall.
Three chairs were placed on the stage, with Hafiz Uddin Ahmed seated in the middle. Fakhrul sat on his right, while Acting Speaker Kaysar Kamal was seated on the other side.
As guests stood, a band played the national anthem.
After signing the oath document, which was certified by the speaker, Fakhrul received flowers from the acting president.
Later, the president administered the oath to four ministers and two state ministers.
Fakhrul was elected president on Thursday after receiving 255 votes out of 349 cast by lawmakers. The opposition alliance also congratulated him.
Mohammed Sahabuddin resigned as president on 24 July, leaving the position vacant. Since then, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed had been serving as acting head of state.
Among those present were Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, Fakhrul’s wife Rahat Ara Begum, late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman and PM’s daughter Zaima Rahman.
Former interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus was also seated in the front row.
Fakhrul’s daughters Mirza Shamaruh Mirza and Mirza Safaruh, his elder daughter’s husband Faham Abdus Salam, and his brothers Mirza Faisal Amin and Mirza Iqbal Amin attended the event.
Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman, BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Abdul Moyeen Khan, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were also present.
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Air Force Chief Air Vice Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Navy Chief Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim attended the ceremony.
BNP ally Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider and Biplabi Workers Party leader Saiful Haque were also present.
