Mirza Fakhrul Turns Emotional in Farewell Speech
BNP’s former secretary general and presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir broke down in tears several times during his farewell speech at a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group. Seeking prayers from party leaders and lawmakers, he also urged BNP parliamentarians to vote for him in the presidential election. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also asked the party’s lawmakers to support him. He urged them to maintain party unity ahead of the upcoming local government elections and warned against widening the gap between grassroots leaders and parliamentarians.
The meeting was held yesterday at the government party meeting room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. PM Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, which lasted about an hour and a half. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni delivered the welcome speech. He explained the presidential election process to the lawmakers and sought their votes for presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul. He also said the presidential election would be held tomorrow, Thursday, and that presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul would vote in the election himself. If elected and sworn in as president, his Thakurgaon-3 parliamentary seat will become vacant. After the chief whip, he delivered his farewell speech. He became emotional at the beginning and repeatedly broke down in tears.
He remembered former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and expressed his gratitude to her. He also paid tribute to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and thanked BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. Recalling his long service to the party as senior joint secretary general, acting secretary general and secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul apologised if he had made any mistakes or unintentionally hurt anyone during his duties. He said he would uphold the honour and responsibility entrusted to him by the party, even at the cost of his life. He also said he would never compromise on the country’s independence and sovereignty. Saying that he would miss his colleagues after moving to Bangabhaban, he asked everyone to pray for him and again urged the lawmakers to vote for him. According to lawmakers present at the meeting, he cried four or five times during his short speech, creating an emotional atmosphere. Tarique Rahman also became emotional.
PM Tarique Rahman Warns MPs Over Local Elections
Speaking later, PM Tarique Rahman described the day as historic and thanked Allah for bringing the party to this stage after many sacrifices. He said continued democratic progress would help establish accountability across the state. “Accountability is essential in running the state – everyone should remember this.” Praising Mirza Fakhrul’s long political career, PM Tarique Rahman said he had remained with the party for many years and had led it with courage during difficult periods, including when he was imprisoned. PM Tarique Rahman said he was unfortunately living abroad at that time.
The Prime Minister urged the lawmakers to vote for Mirza Fakhrul and described Thursday’s presidential election as important. He said, “Everyone must remain united and disciplined. There is no alternative to this.” He also stressed the importance of organisational unity. Regarding the upcoming local government elections, PM Tarique Rahman warned that some parliamentarians were creating distance between themselves and people in their constituencies. He said such a gap must not be allowed to grow.
He noted that the local government elections would be held without party symbols, making them more challenging. He urged party leaders to begin preparations so that no one contests against party-supported candidates. PM Tarique Rahman also stressed the need to nominate qualified and acceptable candidates at the local level and ensure their victory.
