Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Nurul Islam Moni. -File photo

DHAKA, Aug 20, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md Nurul Islam 
Moni today stressed the need to restore democratic culture and political 
harmony in the country beyond the victory or defeat in the presidential 
election.

"For the past 17 years, people have forgotten how to vote. The very idea that 
democracy is established through voting had also faded from people's minds. 
Through free voting, acceptance of election results, and exchange of 
greetings between the victorious and defeated candidates, that democratic 
culture has started to return," he said.

The Chief Whip made the remarks while briefing journalists at the Media 
Centre of the Jatiya Sangsad after the presidential election. Whip Ruhul 
Quddus Talukder Dulu was present.

He said BNP and alliance candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir secured 255 
votes, while opposition candidate Col (Retd) Md Oli Ahmad received 88 votes.

A total of six members could not cast their votes or abstained from voting, 
he added.

The Chief Whip said people must be assured that there would always be a 
smooth transition of power in the country and that such confidence must be 
built among the people.

"At the same time, we have to create an inclusive political environment by 
moving forward together," he said.

Nurul Islam Moni said the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition 
congratulated each other and exchanged greetings after casting their votes.

The Leader of the Opposition congratulated the newly elected President, while 
defeated candidate Dr Col (Retd) Oli Ahmad also congratulated the winner, he 
added.

"Such political harmony had almost disappeared from Bangladesh's politics. 
Now that culture has started to return," he said.

Calling for democracy to be placed at the centre of all activities, the Chief 
Whip said development was not possible without a democratic government.

"If democracy does not exist, it will not be possible to create the desired 
path for future generations," he said.

"We seek everyone's cooperation in building democracy. The government and 
opposition jointly took many important decisions in parliament. The decision 
taken today is also extremely important for establishing democracy and 
ensuring the country's development," he said.

Highlighting the role of the media, the Chief Whip urged journalists to 
contribute to strengthening democracy and sustaining development through 
their reporting.

"Let your pen help establish democracy in this country. Let your pen help 
sustain development. If your pen contributes to the progress of the country, 
we will consider ourselves successful," he said.

He said a positive role by the media could help provide proper direction for 
future generations.

Regarding the presidential election results, he said the election gazette 
would be published today and the newly elected President would take oath at 
Bangabhaban at 7:30pm tomorrow.

He also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected President 
on behalf of the Jatiya Sangsad.

Responding to a question about Article 70 of the Constitution, the Chief Whip 
said there had been discussions that Article 70 was hindering the practice of 
democracy in parliament.

"However, the present government, the Election Commission, the voter list, 
delimitation of constituencies, the election and the oath-taking of members 
of parliament-all have taken place under the existing Constitution. 
Therefore, Article 70 is also part of the present constitutional framework," 
he said.

He said the government would take initiatives to amend the Constitution where 
necessary in consultation with the opposition parties.

He expressed hope that the government and opposition would work together to 
ensure a free, fair and credible election in the future without the 
limitations imposed by Article 70.

"The government and opposition, Insha Allah, will work together to ensure 
that the next election is free, fair and credible and that Article 70 does 
not remain," he said.