Dhaka, Aug. 19 -- Voting in the presidential election is set to be held on Thursday after 35 years, with Members of Parliament to elect the country's 23rd President through an open ballot.

The balloting will be held in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad from 2pm to 5pm. A total of 349 MPs are eligible to cast their votes.

Bangabhaban is making preparations to arrange the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President on Friday evening.

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

With BNP holding an absolute majority in Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is widely expected to be elected as the country's 23rd President...