I dream of a happy, prosperous, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh: Fakhrul

The BNP's presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his hope of seeing a happy, prosperous and welfare-oriented Bangladesh, where ordinary people would live with dignity, security and opportunity today (20 August).

Hours before voting in the presidential election, Fakhrul, who is widely expected to become Bangladesh's 23rd President, shared his vision for the country while talking to UNB.

"I want to see the Bangladesh that I expect and have long dreamed of — a happy, prosperous and welfare-oriented state," he said.

Fakhrul said he envisioned a country where marginalised people, labourers and low-income groups would be able to eat properly, live in a healthy environment and lead safe and secure lives.

He also spoke of employment opportunities for the country's vast youth population and greater opportunities for women to become self-reliant through self-employment.

"We will establish Bangladesh as a self-respecting nation before the world," he said.

"I believe and hope that, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh will be able to build a welfare-oriented state."

Expressing gratitude, Fakhrul first thanked Almighty Allah and then the people of the country, alongside whom he said he had stood during their long struggle to realise their rights.

He also thanked members of the media and people from all walks of life.

"Above all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. I believe that under his leadership, Bangladesh will reach its desired destination," he said.

Asked what he would miss after leaving his long political role behind, Fakhrul became emotional.

"I will miss many things. Whenever I remember them, I find it difficult to hold back my emotions," he said.

He urged the people to pray for one another and assist the government in building a welfare-oriented state.

"May everyone remain well, healthy and safe, and may all contribute to building a welfare-oriented state," he said.

Remembering former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Fakhrul became visibly emotional, saying her absence was particularly painful on such an important day in his life.

"Today, the person I remember the most, and whose memory deeply moves me, is Begum Khaleda Zia. I had the privilege of receiving the affection and guidance of this great woman leader. Her memory touches my emotions at every moment," he said.

Fakhrul began his political journey through left-leaning student politics and later became involved in national politics through Bhasani NAP before joining the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by martyred President Ziaur Rahman.

Over a long political career, he rose through the party ranks and was eventually entrusted with the post of BNP Secretary General by Khaleda Zia.

In 2001, he was elected Member of Parliament from Thakurgaon-1 with the BNP's Sheaf of Paddy symbol and later served as a member of Khaleda Zia's cabinet. He is currently serving as Local Government Minister in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Voting in the election to choose Bangladesh's 23rd President is scheduled to begin at 2pm today (20 August) in the Parliament Chamber and continue until 5pm.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, in his capacity as the returning officer for the presidential election, will conduct the voting.

Fakhrul said he would go to Parliament at 2pm to cast his vote.

For the past several days, his residence at 35 Hare Road has drawn a steady stream of visitors, including leaders and activists from his home constituency of Thakurgaon and other northern districts. Fakhrul has been meeting them and seeking their prayers.

He also attended Wednesday's meeting of the BNP parliamentary party, which was his last meeting as BNP Secretary General and a member of the parliamentary party before assuming the presidency.

Once elected President, his parliamentary seat will fall vacant, requiring a by-election.