Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was sworn in as Bangladesh’s 23rd President on Friday, taking charge as the country’s head of state after defeating his lone rival in the first contested presidential election in 35 years.

Bangladesh's parliament will elect Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the nation's new president. He is expected to win the largely ceremonial five-year post easily. This follows…

With the ruling party holding more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, the veteran BNP politician is expected to secure the largely ceremonial presidency.