The election of former BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country’s president has sparked widespread celebrations in his hometown of Thakurgaon, where his name now dominates conversations from urban tea stalls to remote villages.

Although Mirza Fakhrul is currently in Dhaka, people continue to gather in front of his residence in Thakurgaon. Residents have been watching television coverage of the parliamentary proceedings and applauding as lawmakers approved his election.

Mirza Fakhrul elected Bangladesh’s 23rd President

For many in the district, his election is a matter of pride, as the veteran politician rose from the local level to the country’s highest constitutional office.

Mirza Fakhrul grew up in Thakurgaon and completed his SSC from Thakurgaon High School in 1963 before studying at Dhaka College and Dhaka University, where he earned a degree in economics.

He began his career as a teacher, teaching at Dhaka College and government colleges in Dinajpur and Thakurgaon. He later entered politics after leaving government service in 1988.

His political career began with his election as chairman of Thakurgaon Municipality. He later joined BNP and played a key role in strengthening the party’s organisation in the district before moving into national politics.

Mirza Fakhrul was elected from Thakurgaon-1 in the 2001 parliamentary election and later served as state minister for civil aviation. He eventually rose through BNP’s central leadership and became the party’s secretary general in 2016.

His election as president has been particularly welcomed by local teachers, who remember him as a popular educator.

Tapas Debnath, a senior teacher at Thakurgaon Girls’ High School, said the election of a former teacher to the country’s highest constitutional post would enhance the dignity of the teaching profession.

He recalled that while teaching at Thakurgaon Government College, students from other departments often attended his classes and even stood in the corridors to listen to his lectures.

Mirza Fakhrul has also been associated with sports and cultural activities. He played football and cricket and is the lifetime president of the historic Thakurgaon Town Club. He has also acted in dramas and is known for his recitation skills.

Thakurgaon BNP General Secretary Paygam Ali said Mirza Fakhrul was not merely an asset to BNP but an experienced leader who had endured years of political struggle.

“After overcoming many challenges, he has reached the country’s highest constitutional position. We believe he will prove himself as a capable guardian of the state,” he said.

For the people of Thakurgaon, the president-elect’s journey from a local political leader to the country’s highest constitutional office has become a source of collective pride.