Murmu congratulates Bangladesh's new President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Synopsis
Bangladesh just held its first contested presidential election in over 35 years — and India was quick to respond. President Murmu's congratulatory message to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, sent hours after his swearing-in at Bangabhaban, signals New Delhi's intent to keep bilateral ties stable through a new political chapter in Dhaka.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu sent a congratulatory message to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on 21 August after his swearing-in as Bangladesh's 23rd President .
Fakhrul was elected on Thursday , securing 255 votes against rival Oli Ahmed 's 88 out of 343 valid votes in Parliament.
The oath was administered at Bangabhaban, Dhaka by Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal .
This was Bangladesh's first contested presidential election in more than 35 years ; the previous vote was on 8 October 1991 .
President Murmu highlighted expanding India-Bangladesh cooperation in energy, technology, connectivity, health, and education .
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, 21 August sent a congratulatory message to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was sworn in as the 23rd President of Bangladesh, the High Commission of India in Dhaka confirmed. The message signals New Delhi's intent to sustain bilateral momentum with its eastern neighbour amid a new political chapter in Dhaka.
What President Murmu Said
In her message, President Murmu expressed confidence in Fakhrul's ability to serve Bangladesh effectively. 'I am confident that your long experience of public life and political leadership heralds a successful tenure in service of the people of Bangladesh,' she wrote.
Murmu also underscored the depth of ties between the two countries. 'India and Bangladesh share a unique relationship, rooted in a shared history of sacrifices, close cultural ties and warm bonds of friendship. In recent times, our bilateral ties have steadily expanded to several areas such as energy, technology, connectivity, youth affairs, health and education. I look forward to working with you further to strengthen the partnership between our two neighbouring countries,' the President stated. The message was shared on X by the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.
Swearing-In Ceremony in Dhaka
Earlier on Friday, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir took the oath of office at Bangabhaban, the official presidential residence in Dhaka. Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal administered the oath, according to Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.
The ceremony was attended by outgoing acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, former Chief Adviser of the interim government Prof Muhammad Yunus, and several other dignitaries.
A Historic Election Result
Fakhrul was elected on Thursday after defeating Oli Ahmed, the candidate backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance. He secured 255 votes against Ahmed's 88, out of 343 valid votes cast in the national Parliament under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner and Returning Officer A M M Nasir Uddin.
Notably, this was the first contested presidential election in Bangladesh in more than three and a half decades. The last time Parliament voted to decide a president was on 8 October 1991 — breaking a longstanding practice of electing presidents unopposed that had persisted since that year.
India-Bangladesh Ties: The Broader Context
The congratulatory outreach from New Delhi comes at a significant moment for India-Bangladesh relations. The bilateral relationship has deepened across energy, connectivity, and trade corridors in recent years, and the transition to a new constitutional head in Dhaka is being watched closely by Indian policymakers. India's prompt diplomatic acknowledgement reflects its interest in continuity and stability in the relationship.
Point of View
Connectivity, and technology is a quiet reminder of how much economic architecture now underpins the relationship. The real question is whether Fakhrul's presidency, emerging from a fractious multi-party contest, will have the political authority to sustain and deepen those ties — or whether domestic coalition pressures will constrain his foreign policy room.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir?
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is the newly elected 23rd President of Bangladesh, sworn in on 21 August 2025 at Bangabhaban in Dhaka. He won Thursday's parliamentary presidential election with 255 votes, defeating Oli Ahmed, the candidate backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance.
Why did President Droupadi Murmu send a congratulatory message to Bangladesh?
President Murmu sent the message to mark Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's assumption of office as Bangladesh's 23rd President, reflecting India's intent to strengthen bilateral ties. The message highlighted cooperation in energy, technology, connectivity, health, and education.
What made Bangladesh's 2025 presidential election historic?
It was the first contested presidential election in Bangladesh in more than three and a half decades, breaking the practice of electing presidents unopposed that had persisted since 1991. The last time Parliament voted on the presidency was on 8 October 1991.
How did the Bangladesh presidential election result break down?
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir secured 255 votes against Oli Ahmed's 88, out of 343 valid votes cast in the national Parliament. The election was conducted under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin.
Who attended the swearing-in ceremony at Bangabhaban?
The ceremony was attended by outgoing acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, former Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, and other dignitaries. Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal administered the oath.
