Pakistan, Aug. 20 -- Bangladesh lawmakers have elected senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country's new president. The election follows the resignation of former president Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Although Bangladesh's presidency is largely ceremonial, Mirza Fakhrul will serve as head of state and commander-in-chief. Executive powers will remain with the prime minister and cabinet.

The 78-year-old BNP leader defeated retired army colonel Oli Ahmed in the parliamentary vote. Ahmed contested as the candidate of the Liberal Democratic Party and an 11-party opposition alliance.

The BNP returned to power in February after winning the general election held on February 12. The party and its allies secur...