Democracy is now controlled, says Oli Ahmed

Congratulating Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as President, LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate, said democracy in the country is now controlled and the election result was predetermined.

“An MP cannot vote according to his own will. Members have to vote wherever their party instructs them,” Oli Ahmed said at his residence in Mohakhali DOHS on Thursday.

Mirza Fakhrul won the presidential election with 255 votes, while Oli received 88. Of the 349 sitting MPs, 343 cast their votes.

Oli Ahmed said Article 70 of the Constitution prevents lawmakers from voting against their party’s position. He noted that the BNP had pledged under its 31-point reform plan to abolish the provision if it came to power. He also questioned why the BNP had rushed to hold the election despite the constitutional requirement to do so within 90 days, suggesting it might have wanted to secure its candidate’s victory before any constitutional amendment.

Oli Ahmed claimed that surveys by several organisations showed 68–70% support for him, while Mirza Fakhrul received 28–30%, saying this reflected the people’s opinion. On presidential powers, he said the President has little scope to act independently at Bangabhaban, but expressed hope that a balance of power would be established in the future.

Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, Mr. Oli stressed the need for good governance and accountability. Despite losing, he thanked Mirza Fakhrul for working together over the years and expressed hope that the new President would reduce public suffering and ensure good governance and justice.