BNP eyes successor to Mirza Fakhrul in Thakurgaon-1

Speculation is growing over possible Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidates for the Thakurgaon-1 constituency if party’s Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir becomes president and his parliamentary seat falls vacant.

According to local BNP leaders and political sources, the names of Mirza Fakhrul’s eldest daughter, Dr Shamaruh Mirza, and his younger brother, Mirza Faisal Amin, are being discussed as possible candidates for a by-election.

Dr Shamaruh Mirza’s name has drawn considerable attention among local BNP leaders and activists. She reportedly campaigned for her father during the last national election, which helped her maintain contact with party leaders, activists and voters in the constituency.

A medical scientist and researcher by profession, Shamaruh has been living in Australia for a long time but has also been involved in social activities. However, no formal decision has been made about whether she would contest the election.

Besides, Mirza Faisal Amin, president of Thakurgaon district BNP and Mirza Fakhrul’s younger brother, is also being discussed as a strong contender. A veteran of local BNP politics, he previously served as the district BNP general secretary and mayor of Thakurgaon Municipality.

Thakurgaon-1 has long been regarded as Mirza Fakhrul’s political stronghold. He has represented the constituency in parliament and maintained longstanding political and organisational ties there.

The Fakhrul family also has a long political tradition. His father, Ruhul Amin, popularly known as Chakha Mia, served as a state minister for agriculture, while his great-uncle Mirza Ghulam Hafiz held several key positions, including minister of land and minister for law, justice and parliamentary affairs, and served as speaker of the National Parliament.

For now, the two names most frequently discussed are Dr Shamaruh Mirza and Mirza Faisal Amin. However, other names could also emerge before the party makes a final decision.