President-elect Mirza Fakhrul pays tribute at Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia's graves

Newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir paid tribute to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia by placing floral wreaths at their graves in Dhaka on Friday (August 21).

Mirza Fakhrul visited Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar around 2pm after Friday prayers and separately placed flowers at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Security was tightened around the mausoleum complex during the visit, with members of the police, Detective Branch and Special Security Force deployed in the area.

The tribute came hours before Mirza Fakhrul was scheduled to take the oath of office as Bangladesh's president. He was due to be sworn in at the historic Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 7:30pm, with preparations completed under the supervision of the Cabinet Division.

Mirza Fakhrul was elected president on Thursday after securing 255 of the 349 votes cast by members of parliament. He is set to formally assume office with Friday’s oath-taking ceremony.