Bangladesh elects new president today among competing candidates

Presidential elections are being held in Bangladesh today, Thursday, with Members of Parliament scheduled to begin voting at 2:00 p.m. (08:00 GMT).

The voting process is set to conclude at 5:00 p.m. The elections were called earlier this month following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin on July 24 for health reasons.

Under Bangladesh’s parliamentary system, the presidency is largely a ceremonial post, with executive power vested in the office of the Prime Minister.

The ruling Awami League has nominated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgi, who is widely expected to become the next president, as the party holds a majority of more than two-thirds in parliament.