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Democracy controlled, party line will prevail: Oli Ahmed
Published : Thursday, 20 August, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Observer Online Report
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (retd.) Oli Ahmed, the candidate of the 11-party alliance in the presidential election, has alleged that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rushed the election process, saying the outcome was predetermined.
“The result of the presidential election has already been decided. There is no possibility of anything else happening here,” Oli Ahmed said.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at his residence in the capital’s Mohakhali DOHS on Thursday afternoon.
Oli said members of parliament could not vote according to their own wishes because “democracy is controlled” under the existing system.
“No MP can cast a vote according to his or her own will. Democracy is controlled here. The will of the party leadership will prevail. MPs have to vote wherever their party instructs them to,” he said.
Of the 350 members of parliament, 343 cast their votes in the presidential election. BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected with 255 votes, while Oli Ahmed received 88 votes.
Referring to Article 70 of the Constitution, Oli said an MP would lose their parliamentary membership if they voted against their party's position.
He noted that the BNP had previously pledged under its 31-point reform agenda to abolish Article 70 if it came to power.
Oli also questioned why the BNP had arranged the presidential election in such a hurry, despite the constitutional requirement to hold the election within 90 days.
“I do not know why the BNP rushed to hold the election. Perhaps they believe their candidate will win if the constitutional reforms are not made, while changes to the Constitution could create complications for them,” he said.
Claiming that several surveys had shown strong public support for him, Oli said 68 to 70 percent of people had voted in his favour, while Mirza Fakhrul received support from 28 to 30 percent.
He said the figures demonstrated that the people had clearly expressed their opinion.
Speaking about the powers of the president, the LDP chief said the president had very limited scope to act independently.
“There are three shrines and a mosque at Bangabhaban. Apart from visiting the shrines and offering prayers at the mosque, there is little opportunity for the president to act independently,” he said.
However, Oli expressed hope that a balance of power would be established in the future.
He also recalled the 2024 mass uprising, saying many young people had sacrificed their lives for good governance and accountability.
“Unless good governance and accountability are ensured in every sector, the people of this country will not be able to live in peace and happiness,” he said.
Congratulating newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Oli said they had worked together for many years and expressed hope that the new president would work for the country's welfare above all else.
“We have worked together for a long time. We expect some good things from you. We hope you will rise above everything and work for the welfare of the country,” he said.
Addressing Mirza Fakhrul, Oli added, “We have worked together for many years. I hope that through his actions, he will reflect the expectations of the people from a president.”
-HIS
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
