Who is Mirza Fakhrul? BNP nominates party’s secretary general for presidential election in Bangladesh
Who is Mirza Fakhrul? BNP Nominates Him for Presidential Election
Theindiapostdaily.com – Bangladesh's Bangladesh Nationalist Party has officially selected its secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, as its presidential candidate for the upcoming election. The 78-year-old political veteran will now compete to become the country's next head of state, with voting scheduled for August 20.
Following his nomination, Alamgir stepped down from his role as BNP secretary general and also resigned from the party's Standing Committee. Senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi publicly confirmed the selection, which came after extensive discussions with party leaders and BNP chairman Tarique Rahman.
It is with great pleasure that I announce on behalf of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party that our dedicated secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has become the BNP's presidential candidate,
Rizvi told PTI during the announcement. The nomination process followed consultations at the Prime Minister's Secretariat, where senior party members reviewed potential candidates for the prestigious position.
Personal Background and Family
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was born on January 26, 1948, in Thakurgaon district. His father, Mirza Ruhul Amin, served as a member of parliament, while his mother, Mirza Fatima Amin, was a homemaker. He currently lives with his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, who holds a degree from the University of Calcutta and works at an insurance company in Dhaka. The couple has two daughters: Dr Shamaruh Mirza and Mirza Safaruh.
Alamgir completed his Higher Secondary Certificate at Dhaka College before earning his university degree from the University of Dhaka. His family's ancestral home is located in Mirzapur village, situated in Atwari upazila within Panchagarh district.
Political Career and Achievements
His political journey began during his student years at the University of Dhaka. He joined the East Pakistan Students Union, which later transformed into the Bangladesh Students Union, and was elected secretary general of the organization's SM Hall unit. Through consistent advancement, he became president of the Dhaka University unit during the historic 1969 uprising against the Ayub Khan administration.
Currently, Alamgir serves as a member of parliament representing the Thakurgaon-1 constituency and holds the position of Minister of Local Government. Between 2001 and 2006, he previously served as Minister of State for Agriculture and later took on a similar role in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
He has been a prominent figure within the BNP for more than ten years, acting as the party's secretary general from 2011 before receiving formal appointment to the role in 2016.
Election Context and Process
The BNP secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament following the February 12 elections, positioning Alamgir favorably for the presidential vote. Under the Election Commission's timeline, he was required to submit his nomination papers by 4 pm on Thursday.
If victorious, Alamgir would assume the role of Bangladesh's 23rd president. The election follows the resignation of former President Mohammed Shahabuddin on July 24, nearly two years ahead of his scheduled term completion. Shahabuddin cited significant health issues for his departure and was recognized as a long-standing supporter of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh's Constitution requires that a new president be chosen within 90 days of the office becoming vacant. Parliamentary Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is currently fulfilling the duties of acting president as outlined in the Constitution.
The main opposition party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has put forward Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad, chairman of its alliance partner the Liberal Democratic Party, as its candidate.
Understanding the Presidential Role
Within Bangladesh's parliamentary framework, the president functions primarily as a ceremonial head of state while holding several key constitutional duties. These include appointing the prime minister and chief justice. The president also serves as the supreme commander of the armed forces, though these powers are typically exercised based on the prime minister's advice. The president is elected by members of Parliament under the country's constitutional structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mirza Fakhrul BNP nominates for president?
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP's secretary general, has been nominated as the party's presidential candidate for the August 20 election. He is 78 years old and has served in various ministerial positions since 2001.
When is the presidential election in Bangladesh?
The presidential election is scheduled for August 20, 2024. The BNP secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament following the February 12 elections, giving them strong support for their candidate.
Why did the previous president resign?
Former President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on July 24, nearly two years before his term was set to end. He cited significant health issues as the primary reason for his departure from office.
What are the requirements to become Bangladesh's president?
According to the Constitution, a new president must be chosen within 90 days of the office becoming vacant. The president is elected by members of Parliament and serves as the ceremonial head of state with constitutional duties including appointing key officials.