Indian President Droupadi Murmu congratulates President Mirza Fakhrul

President of India Droupadi Murmu has congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office as the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. She conveyed this in a message sent on Friday, August 21.

In her message, Murmu wrote that she was extending her sincere congratulations to Mirza Fakhrul on his assumption of the presidency and expressed optimism that his long experience in political and social life would translate into a successful tenure serving the people of Bangladesh.

Describing the relationship between India and Bangladesh as "unique," the message said the ties, built on a shared history of sacrifice, close cultural bonds and warm cordiality, have been steadily expanding in recent times across multiple sectors, including energy, technology, connectivity, youth affairs, health and education. Murmu expressed her expectation to work together with Mirza Fakhrul to further strengthen this partnership between the two neighbours.

The Indian President concluded her message by wishing President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir good health, well-being, success in his duties and continued progress and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh.

It may be mentioned that Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP candidate, was elected President with 255 votes in the presidential election held at the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday (August 20). His rival, Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed of the 11-party alliance, received 88 votes. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin declared him victorious, following which the Election Commission issued a gazette notification. The next day, on Friday (August 21) evening, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was sworn in as the 23rd President of the country at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. Acting Speaker of Parliament Barrister Kayser Kamal administered the oath. Following the resignation of President Md Sahabuddin, who was elected during the Awami League tenure, on July 24, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed had been performing the duties of the President as per the Constitution.