India, Aug. 7 -- Bangladesh's presidential election will be held on August 20, the Election Commission announced on Thursday, two weeks after President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on health grounds before completing his five-year term.

Shahabuddin, 76, was a longtime ally of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. "Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has finalised the dates in consultation with (acting parliamentary) Speaker Kayser Kamal," the Election Commission's senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters.

In line with the Constitution, the parliament members elect the president, but the EC conducts the procedure to elect the head of State.

Announcing the election schedule, Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary A...