Diplomats arrive at Bangabhaban for oath-taking ceremony

Diplomats from various countries have started arriving at Bangabhaban to attend the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at 7:30PM Friday at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban, with ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Bangladesh expected to attend. 

Vehicles carrying the flags of different countries were seen entering Bangabhaban from the afternoon as invited guests began arriving.

Extensive security measures have been taken in and around Bangabhaban ahead of the ceremony. Police, Special Branch, the President Guard Regiment and Ansar personnel have been deployed, while surveillance and security checks have been intensified at entry points and surrounding areas.

Curious crowds were also seen gathering near Bangabhaban as diplomatic vehicles and other invited guests entered the premises. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has implemented a special traffic arrangement in the area from 3PM to 9PM to facilitate the movement of vehicles carrying invited guests.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the acting president, the chief justice, cabinet members, lawmakers, senior military and civilian officials and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony. Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal will administer the oath to Mirza Fakhrul at 7:30PM, after which he will formally assume office as Bangladesh’s 23rd president.

-SA