BNP presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday voiced his aspiration for a Bangladesh where prosperity, social welfare and human dignity would define the lives of ordinary citizens, saying he hoped the country would become a place where people could live safely and pursue better opportunities.

Speaking to a local media shortly before voting began in the presidential election, Mirza Fakhrul, who is widely expected to become Bangladesh’s 23rd President, outlined his vision for the country and reflected on his long political journey.

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

Mirza Fakhrul said his desired Bangladesh would ensure that marginalised communities, workers and people from low-income families could have adequate food, live in a healthy environment and enjoy secure and dignified lives.

He also stressed the need to create employment opportunities for the country’s large youth population and said women should be given greater scope to become economically 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.”

Mirza Fakhrul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah as well as to the people of Bangladesh, saying he had remained alongside them throughout their prolonged struggle to establish their rights.

He also thanked members of the media and people from different sections of society for their support.

“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 stepping away from his long-standing political responsibilities, Mirza Fakhrul struggled to contain his emotions.

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

He called on people to pray for one another and extend their support to the government as it works toward establishing a welfare-oriented state.

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

Mirza Fakhrul became particularly emotional while recalling former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, saying her absence was deeply felt on what was set to become one of the most significant days of his political 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.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s political career began with left-leaning student politics.

He later entered national politics through the Bhasani NAP before eventually joining the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by martyred President Ziaur Rahman.

Over the course of his lengthy political career, he steadily advanced through the BNP hierarchy.

Begum Zia eventually entrusted him with the position of BNP Secretary General.

In the 2001 parliamentary election, Mirza Fakhrul won the Thakurgaon-1 constituency on the BNP’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

He subsequently became a member of Khaleda Zia’s cabinet.

He is currently serving as Local Government Minister in the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The election to choose Bangladesh’s 23rd President is scheduled to begin at 2 pm on Thursday in the Parliament Chamber and continue until 5 pm.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, acting as the returning officer for the presidential election, will oversee the voting process.

Mirza Fakhrul said he would travel to Parliament at 2 pm to cast his ballot.

His residence at 35 Hare Road has remained busy in recent days, with BNP leaders and activists from his home constituency of Thakurgaon and other northern districts visiting him.

Mirza Fakhrul has been receiving the visitors and asking for their prayers as he prepares to assume the presidency.

He also participated in the BNP parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday.

It was his final meeting in his capacity as BNP Secretary General and as a member of the parliamentary party before taking office as President.

Following his election as President, Mirza Fakhrul’s parliamentary seat will become vacant, paving the way for a by-election in the Thakurgaon-1 constituency.

With Inputs from UNB