Dreaming of building a happy and prosperous new Bangladesh: Mirza Fakhrul

PNN News Desk. Dhaka

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the newly former Secretary General of BNP, expressed his expectation of building a happy, prosperous, and welfare-oriented new Bangladesh. He shared this vision while speaking to the media on Thursday (August 20) before the voting for the presidential election began.

Mirza Fakhrul is BNP's nominee for the presidential election. As the candidate of the party that formed the government with a two-thirds majority in the 13th National Parliament, he will become the 23rd President of the country if he wins the election.

Mirza Fakhrul said he dreams of a Bangladesh where ordinary people can live safely and comfortably. He expressed his expectation to build a state where marginalized people and working-class citizens can get two meals a day, live in a healthy environment, and lead a worry-free life.

He further stated that employment opportunities must be created for the country's vast youth population. At the same time, he emphasized ensuring opportunities for women's self-employment and economic self-reliance.

Expressing his hope to establish Bangladesh as a self-respecting nation before the world, Mirza Fakhrul stated he believes it will be possible to turn Bangladesh into a welfare state under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

Expressing gratitude to the people of the country, he said he is grateful to those who stood by him throughout his long political career. He also expressed his gratitude to media personnel and people from various walks of life in society. Simultaneously, he offered special thanks to BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Mirza Fakhrul became emotional while saying that he would miss many aspects of political life if elected President. Wishing everyone good health, safety, and well-being, he called upon all to cooperate with the government in building a welfare-oriented nation.

During this time, Mirza Fakhrul also fondly remembered former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia with emotion. He shared that memories of receiving Khaleda Zia's close affection and guidance during his political career remain deeply rooted in his mind, and he is repeatedly reminded of her on this day.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir began his journey in national politics through the politics of Bhasani NAP. Later, joining the BNP, he served as the party's Secretary General over a long political career. In 2001, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol and served as a minister in Khaleda Zia's government.

Meanwhile, voting for the 23rd presidential election commenced at 2:00 PM on Thursday in the parliamentary chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin is conducting this election. Voting will continue until 5:00 PM.

Surrounding the presidential election, crowds of party leaders, activists, and well-wishers have been seen at House No. 35 on Hare Road in the capital over the past few days. Leaders and activists from various regions of the country, including his constituency Thakurgaon, visited Mirza Fakhrul there to meet him and pray for his success.

Mirza Fakhrul also attended the meeting of the BNP parliamentary party on Wednesday. Since he will have to relinquish his seat as a Member of Parliament if elected President, that meeting will mark his final participation in the parliamentary party.