DHAKA, Aug 14, 2026 (TNB) – A good human being through and through. Educated and refined. In his 78 years of life, controversy has never touched him. Unwavering in his ideals like the Himalayas, yet humble and soft-spoken in speech. Immensely selfless, but even more humble. In a time when politics is infected with toxicity and vulgarity, he stands out as an extraordinary exception- He is none other than Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a clean figure in Bangladeshi politics. In his long life, stigma has never tarnished his name.

BNP has chosen the most right-fit candidate for the presidency of Bangladesh. This reflects the Prime Minister’s political wisdom and faith in healthy politics. By nominating Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for President, BNP has not only honored an exemplary political figure who nurtured his ideals lifelong; it has elevated the dignity of the presidency itself.
It is a gesture of respect and affection for an honest, dedicated, and devoted politician – a victory for constructive politics.

What kind of politician do we want? The list of demands in response to this question is long. A politician must be principled and stay clear of corruption and misrule. They must be people-friendly and trusted by party workers. We want politicians who will not break down during tough times, but will instead make the ultimate sacrifice to face the situation – staying by the people’s side in times of crisis to unite them. Unfortunately, finding a politician with all these qualities is as rare as finding gold dust. Yet, we are fortunate that whenever these qualities are mentioned, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s name naturally comes to mind.

By what identity should Mirza Fakhrul be known? An honest and good human being. A brilliant and dedicated teacher. An idealist, self-sacrificing politician. A steady guide in times of adversity – all these combined make him an extraordinary human being. There could hardly be a better candidate for President.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir earned his Bachelor’s (Honors) and Master’s degrees in Economics from the University of Dhaka. He stepped into student politics during his university days and gradually became active in it. He was a member of the then East Pakistan Student Union and was elected General Secretary of its S.M. Hall branch. During the 1969 Mass Uprising, he served as the President of the organization’s Dhaka University branch.

Despite his active involvement in student politics, he began his career as an educator, teaching at several government colleges. He joined the teaching profession in 1972 and served as a Professor of Economics at Thakurgaon Government College until 1986. Later, ahead of the municipal elections, he resigned from teaching to enter active politics. After a successful campaign, he was elected Chairman of Thakurgaon Municipality in the 1988 municipal election.

During the movement to overthrow Ershad’s military regime, Mirza Fakhrul joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In 1992, he was appointed President of the Thakurgaon District BNP. Mirza Fakhrul is a tested leader who rose from the grassroots.

Notably, he joined BNP during a period of immense adversity. Following the death of Shahid President Ziaur Rahman, the party faced a severe crisis. Hussain Muhammad Ershad imposed military rule and engaged in destroying BNP. Many top leaders defected to join Ershad, while many others were arrested. To save the party and the nation, Begum Khaleda Zia stepped forward and called for a movement to free the country from autocracy. A tough battle for democracy began.
Responding to Begum Zia’s call, Mirza Fakhrul joined BNP. In our country’s political landscape, we often see a rush to join a party when it is in power; there is no shortage of fair-weather friends when times are good. Yet during hard times, even dedicated workers are hard to find. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir joined BNP in its toughest hour and stood by the party through every crisis since.

From the 1/11 political crisis in 2007 to the fall of the Awami League government in 2024, he remained a fearless warrior during the hardest phase of BNP’s history. In December 2009, at BNP’s 5th National Council, he was elected senior joint secretary general – a post previously held by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Following the passing of BNP’s then secretary general Khondokar Delwar Hossain on 20 March 2011, then party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia declared Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as Acting Secretary General. At the party’s 6th National Council on 19 March 2016, he was elected Secretary General.
During this period, BNP faced brutal oppression and persecution. Hundreds of thousands of leaders and activists were arrested, and many fell victim to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Over a hundred cases were filed against Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. This fearless leader was repeatedly arrested on false charges and sent to prison. Yet, no oppression or torture could break his spirit. Thwarting all conspiracies to divide BNP, he worked tirelessly to keep the party united under the leadership and direction of the Acting Chairman.

Far from just preserving party unity, this visionary leader organized and strengthened BNP even further. Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, he built anti-autocracy political alliances. His contribution to the anti-autocracy movement will remain forever memorable. Behind BNP’s emergence as the nation’s most popular party, forged stronger through the fires of persecution, lies the capable leadership and sacrifice of its secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Uncompromising on principles, Mirza Fakhrul remains respectful of opposing views. Throughout his political career, he has never made rude or vulgar remarks about political leaders or activists of differing ideologies. For this reason, across all political divides, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is respected as a complete gentleman.
Role models are becoming scarce in our society, and today’s youth lack figures to look up to. Yet, in these restless times, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stands as an inspiring politician. Even his fiercest political opponents regard him as a courteous and noble person.
That such a personality is set to become the President of the country brings great relief. With him as President, the nation will gain a true guardian. BNP certainly deserves immense gratitude for nominating a genuinely pure-hearted person like Mirza Fakhrul as President.