BNP Secretary General and the party’s presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed hope of building a happy, prosperous and welfare-oriented new Bangladesh.
He made the remarks on Thursday ahead of voting in the presidential election. Polling will be held at the Jatiya Sangsad from 2pm to 5pm. As the candidate of the BNP-led government, which commands a two-thirds majority in parliament, Mirza Fakhrul is set to become the country’s 23rd president.
Mirza Fakhrul said he dreams of a Bangladesh where marginalized people, working-class citizens and day laborers can afford to eat three meals a day. He said they should be able to live in a healthy environment and enjoy safe and secure lives.
He also said employment opportunities would be created for the country’s large young population, while opportunities for self-employment would be expanded for women, who make up half of the population. Bangladesh, he added, would earn recognition as a self-respecting nation on the global stage.
“I believe and hope that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh will be able to build a welfare-oriented state,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Bangladesh, the BNP leader thanked Almighty Allah. He said he had stood beside the people throughout their long struggle for their rights and was grateful for the opportunity to remain with them through both good times and difficult periods.
He also thanked members of the media and people from all walks of life.
Mirza Fakhrul said he was particularly grateful to BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He expressed hope that, under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the country would reach its “desired Bangladesh.”
Asked what he would miss if elected president, Mirza Fakhrul became emotional and said he would miss many things. He said he could not hold back his emotions while recalling them.
He prayed to the Almighty for the health, safety and well-being of the people and urged everyone to cooperate with the government in building a welfare-oriented state.
Mirza Fakhrul said the person he was thinking of most on the day was BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Recalling the affection and companionship he received from the veteran leader, he said he became emotional when thinking of her.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir began his political career in left-leaning student politics and entered national politics through the Bhashani NAP. He later joined the BNP, founded by President Ziaur Rahman. After a long political career, Khaleda Zia appointed him secretary general of the BNP.
In 2001, Mirza Fakhrul was elected as a member of parliament from Thakurgaon-1 on the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol. He later served as a minister in Khaleda Zia’s cabinet. He is currently serving as the local government minister in the government led by Tarique Rahman.
Meanwhile, preparations have been completed at the Jatiya Sangsad for Thursday’s presidential election. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin will conduct the election. Voting will begin at 2pm and continue until 5pm.
Mirza Fakhrul said he would go to parliament at 2pm to cast his vote.
Over the past several days, BNP leaders and activists have gathered at Mirza Fakhrul’s residence at 35 Hare Road. Supporters from his constituency in Thakurgaon and various parts of northern Bangladesh have been visiting to catch a glimpse of him. Mirza Fakhrul has also been meeting them and asking for their prayers.
On Wednesday, Mirza Fakhrul attended a meeting of the BNP parliamentary party. It was his final participation in a parliamentary party meeting before becoming president. Once elected president, his Thakurgaon-1 parliamentary seat will fall vacant.
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