Bangabhaban on Thursday bade farewell to acting president Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, through a state ceremony with an impressive function.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) of the Bangladesh Army presented him with a guard of honour, while a joint military band comprising members of the Army, Navy and Air Force played a farewell tune around 11:30am.

A horse-mounted contingent of Bangladesh Police also escorted the outgoing acting president as part of the ceremonial farewell.

Earlier, Hafiz Uddin signed the Bangabhaban visitors’ book and exchanged greetings with officials and employees of the Bangabhaban before receiving the guard of honour.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad assumed office as acting president on 24 July following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. He served in the position for 26 days.

He left Bangabhaban around 11:40am on Thursday after completing his presidential duties, ahead of the presidential election scheduled to begin at 2pm at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.