Fakhrul breaks down in tears at BNP parliamentary party meeting

BNP’s outgoing secretary general and presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir broke down in tears several times while delivering an emotional farewell speech at the party’s parliamentary party meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday.

Fakhrul, who is set to contest the presidential election today, sought prayers from fellow lawmakers as well as the party’s leaders and activists, urging them to vote for him in the election.

Speaking in an emotion-choked voice, he recalled BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and expressed his gratitude to both of them. He also thanked BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who was present at the meeting.

Fakhrul said he had served as the party’s secretary general for a long period and apologised for any mistakes he might have made or for unintentionally hurting anyone’s feelings while discharging his responsibilities.

He pledged to uphold the honour and responsibility entrusted to him by the party, even at the cost of his life.

“I will uphold the honour and responsibility bestowed upon me by the party, even at the cost of my life,” he said.

Fakhrul also vowed that he would never compromise on the country’s independence and sovereignty.

He said he would miss his fellow politicians and party colleagues after moving to Bangabhaban.

The BNP parliamentary party meeting was held as Fakhrul stepped down as the party’s secretary general following his nomination for the presidency.

Addressing the meeting, Tarique Rahman sought votes for Fakhrul and urged the party lawmakers to remain united ahead of the presidential and local government elections.

The BNP chairman also called for continued unity among party leaders and lawmakers at a time when the party is preparing for the presidential election and other upcoming political challenges.

Fakhrul has served as BNP’s secretary general since March 2016, having previously served as its senior joint secretary general and acting secretary general.

His farewell at Wednesday’s parliamentary party meeting marked the end of his more than a decade-long tenure as the party’s top organisational leader.