Sangsad Bhaban, Aug. 20 -- Voting has started in the presidential election on Thursday after 35 years, with Members of Parliament to elect the country's 23rd President through an open ballot.

The three-hour balloting began at 2:10pm in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad which will continue till 5pm. A total of 349 MPs are eligible to cast their votes.

BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and opposition Jamaat-led 11-party alliance contender Col (retd) Oli Ahmad are contesting the election.

At the beginning of the balloting, Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal and presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir cast their votes.

Acting President Hafiz U...