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BNP Secretary General and the party’s presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed hope that a happy, prosperous and welfare-oriented Bangladesh will emerge under the leadership of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists before casting his vote in the presidential election at the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday (August 20).
Mirza Fakhrul, who is contesting the presidential election as the BNP candidate after the party formed the government with a two-thirds majority in Parliament, said he dreams of a Bangladesh where people from all sections of society can live safely and with dignity.
“I want to see a Bangladesh that I hope for and dream of—a happy, prosperous and welfare-oriented state,” he said.
He said marginalised people, workers and those who earn their living day by day should be able to have enough food, live in a healthy environment and lead safe and secure lives.
He also stressed the need to create employment opportunities for the country’s large young population and opportunities for self-employment for women, who make up half of the population.
Expressing hope that Bangladesh would earn recognition as a self-respecting nation in the world, Mirza Fakhrul said he believed the country would be able to build a welfare-oriented state under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, the people of Bangladesh, the media and people from all walks of life for their support. He also thanked BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
“I believe that under his leadership, Bangladesh will reach the destination we aspire to,” he said.
Addressing the people, Mirza Fakhrul prayed for their wellbeing, health and safety and urged everyone to cooperate with the government in building a welfare-oriented state.
He also paid tribute to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, recalling her affection and guidance throughout his political career.
“On this day, I remember the most the leader of the people, Begum Khaleda Zia,” he said, adding that her memory touched him deeply and stirred his emotions.
Mirza Fakhrul began his political career through left-leaning student politics and later became involved in national politics through the Bhasani NAP. He subsequently joined the BNP, founded by late President Ziaur Rahman.
After a long political career, Khaleda Zia appointed him BNP secretary general. He was elected from Thakurgaon-1 constituency in 2001 on the BNP’s election symbol and later served as a minister in Khaleda Zia’s cabinet. He currently serves as local government minister in the government led by Tarique Rahman.
Voting in the 23rd presidential election began at 2pm Thursday in the Jatiya Sangsad and is scheduled to continue until 5pm. Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin, the electoral college’s election officer, is conducting the election.
Mirza Fakhrul said he would cast his vote in Parliament at 2pm.
In the days leading up to the election, BNP leaders and activists have gathered at his residence at 35 Hare Road in Dhaka. Leaders and activists from his constituency of Thakurgaon and other northern districts have been visiting him, while Mirza Fakhrul has been meeting them and seeking their prayers.
He also attended a meeting of the BNP parliamentary party on Wednesday (August 19). It was his final parliamentary party meeting before being elected president.
Following his election as president, his parliamentary seat in Thakurgaon-1 will become vacant.
