Mirza Fakhrul breaks down in tears during farewell speech

Outgoing BNP secretary general and presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir broke down in tears while delivering his farewell speech at a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group in the National Parliament Building on Wednesday. Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman also appeared emotional during the gathering.

The meeting, held in the government party’s conference room, began at 2pm and lasted about an hour and a half. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni spoke first, briefing MPs on the voting procedures for Thursday’s presidential election and seeking support for Mirza Fakhrul. He noted that Mirza Fakhrul himself would cast a vote and that, if elected president, his Thakurgaon-3 seat would fall vacant under the law.

When Mirza Fakhrul rose to speak, he was overcome by emotion and wept. He expressed gratitude to the late BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, party founder Ziaur Rahman and current chairperson Tarique Rahman. Looking back on his long political career as joint secretary general, acting secretary general and secretary general, he apologised to colleagues for any mistakes or unintended hurt he may have caused. He pledged to uphold the honour and responsibilities given by the party, even at the cost of his life if necessary, and to make no compromise on the country’s independence and sovereignty. Saying he would miss his colleagues after moving to Bangabhaban, he sought their blessings and appealed for their votes in the presidential election.

Several MPs present said Mirza Fakhrul wept four or five times during his brief remarks, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere in which the prime minister also became visibly moved.

Tarique Rahman then addressed the meeting. “Today is a historic day. We have come to this position after paying a heavy price,” he said, offering thanks to Allah. He highlighted Mirza Fakhrul’s long association with the party, his courage in holding the organisation together during difficult times and the periods he spent in prison, noting that he himself had been forced to remain abroad during those years.

The prime minister urged MPs to vote for Mirza Fakhrul as the party’s presidential candidate, describing Thursday’s election as crucial and stressing the need for unity and discipline. He said continued democratic progress would ensure accountability at every level of the state.

Turning to the upcoming local government elections, Tarique Rahman cautioned MPs that the polls would be held without party symbols and would therefore be challenging. He observed that distances had grown between some MPs and grassroots leaders and workers in their constituencies and directed them to resolve these issues quickly. Recalling negative experiences from the previous election, he instructed that no one should work for rebel candidates outside the party’s official support. He also emphasised the importance of fielding competent and acceptable candidates at the local level to secure victory.

Among those present at the significant parliamentary party meeting were BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, AZM Zahid Hossain and other MPs.