Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. File Photo

DHAKA, Aug 20, 2026 (BSS) - Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud 
Chowdhury today described newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir 
as "a political personality from head to toe," saying there could be no 
better choice for the country's presidency.

The finance minister made the remarks while talking to reporters at the main 
entrance of Sangsad Bhaban this afternoon after Mirza Fakhrul was declared 
elected as the country's new president.

"Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is a political personality from head to toe. 
There could not be a better choice than him," Amir Khosru said.

He said Mirza Fakhrul had endured a long political struggle, imprisonment and 
persecution and fought against autocracy, making sacrifices at the cost of 
his health and life.

"It is through those sacrifices that we have regained a democratic country 
today. An election has been held, and through that election, a parliament and 
a government have been formed," he said.

The finance minister said Mirza Fakhrul had been at the forefront of the 
movement and struggle for democracy and was known to be an honest and 
competent person.

"I am delighted that such a person is going to adorn the chair of the 
president," he said.

Amir Khosru said people had almost forgotten when a genuine presidential 
election had last been held in Bangladesh.

"Today, the election of a president has taken place in an elected parliament. 
This is also a great achievement for us. We must maintain this democratic 
process," he said.

He said the democratic process had been restored through prolonged struggle, 
sacrifice and suffering by the people and that the country must preserve it.

"The democratic culture must continue. If this continues, InshaAllah, 
together we will be able to build the Bangladesh envisioned by our Prime 
Minister," he said.

Asked about his expectations from the new president, Amir Khosru said Mirza 
Fakhrul had come to the presidency as a "torchbearer of democracy."

"He has played a role in ensuring the continuation of democracy in the past, 
and his role will remain the same," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP-nominated candidate for president, was 
elected president today after securing 255 votes in the presidential election 
held in Parliament.