Loyalty to Party and Acceptance Beyond: Two Criteria for Mirza Fakhrul

The ruling BNP does not want to take any risks this time regarding the highest constitutional office of the state. Learning from past experiences, the party wants to install someone as President who has not only proven their loyalty to the party through a long political journey but has also built widespread acceptability beyond party lines. Considering these two criteria, the party high command has decided to nominate BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country's 23rd President.

According to BNP policymakers, keeping the party united during prolonged political crises, enduring lawsuits, attacks, and imprisonment, and remaining steadfast to the party leadership under immense pressure—all of these factors make Mirza Fakhrul the safest and most acceptable choice for the presidency. Additionally, the party is also placing importance on the acceptance he has garnered among opposition political parties, civil society, social organizations, and the international community.

BNP leaders observe that the party's previous two experiences with presidential nominations were not favorable. In 2001, after coming to power, BNP made its founding secretary-general, Professor Dr. A.Q.M. Badruddoza Chowdhury, the President. However, within a few months of assuming office, differences emerged with the party. Ultimately, after just seven and a half months, he had to step down.

Later, the party appointed former Dhaka University professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed as President. After the end of the BNP government's term in 2006, he took on the additional role of head of the caretaker government alongside the presidency. BNP leaders believe that his failure to firmly handle the political crisis that arose at that time further complicated the situation. According to them, that crisis paved the way for the 1/11 (One-Eleven) military-backed caretaker government, after which BNP fell into a prolonged period of political turmoil.
Because of these past experiences, the party is being much more cautious this time regarding the presidential election. BNP policymakers believe that the presidency is no longer merely a ceremonial or symbolic position. Particularly in the changed political reality following the 2024 popular uprising, the constitutional and political role of the President has become even more significant. As a result, BNP wants someone in this position who is not only trusted by the party leadership but also enjoys national acceptability.

However, top BNP leaders are reluctant to officially comment on the matter just yet. Selima Rahman, a member of the party's standing committee, told Agamir Samay that the standing committee has left the decision on the presidential nomination to the party chairperson. The nomination will be made based on their preference, and nothing can be said about it at this moment.

The 'Man of Trust' in Times of Crisis

The BNP high command views Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's long political career as his greatest qualification. He has served as the party's secretary-general for over a decade during difficult times. BNP leaders highlight his role in keeping the party united amidst cases, attacks, arrests, and various political pressures during the Awami League government's long rule.

Party sources claim that over the past 16 years, 111 cases have been filed against Mirza Fakhrul. He has been sent to jail 11 times. In total, he spent about three and a half years in prison. Even in the face of police tear gas, arrests, and torture during street movements, he never wavered from his party position.
According to BNP leaders, despite various government attempts to split the party and immense political pressure, Mirza Fakhrul maintained his trust in the party leadership. The party high command particularly considers his loyalty and steadfastness to the Zia family as highly significant.

BNP leaders believe that it is not just party loyalty but also Mirza Fakhrul's personal image that has propelled him forward for the presidency. He maintains good communication and relationships with leaders of opposition political parties. He is also acceptable to civil society, social organizations, and people from various professions and walks of life. Due to his long political career and engagement with the international community, he is also well-known to foreign states and diplomats.

Experience in Politics and Diplomacy

BNP leaders believe that in the current political reality, mere party loyalty is not enough for the presidency; acceptability at the national and international levels is equally important. In that regard, Mirza Fakhrul's long political experience could be a major asset.

During the prolonged anti-Awami League movement, while leading street politics, he developed connections with diplomats from various countries and the international community. He also has years of experience regarding various aspects of Bangladesh's internal politics and foreign policy. As a result, the BNP hopes he will be able to coordinate between party and national interests as President.

Professor Dr. Md. Shamsul Alam of the Department of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University also believes that Mirza Fakhrul's long political experience and ability to lead the party during difficult times make him suitable for the presidency.

He said: "Mirza Fakhrul has been involved in BNP politics for a long time. He has also served as an MP and minister. He has been serving as the party's secretary-general for over a decade. However, the most important thing is that he took on this responsibility during the party's most difficult period. At that time, there were many attempts to split the party, and various agencies were also working against it. But he kept the party united."

According to this political analyst, Mirza Fakhrul's unwavering trust and confidence in the party's top leadership, especially the Zia family, has never been compromised. In other words, he has proven his loyalty to the party.

He added that beyond the party, Mirza Fakhrul has a bright image among the general public. He is also acceptable to other political parties. He is known as a respectable person. Due to his long history of enduring persecution, imprisonment, and active participation in street movements, he is also seen as a soldier of the streets.

Professor Shamsul Alam further said: "Considering these factors, the BNP high command has perhaps chosen him for the presidential nomination. If he is given this responsibility, it can be hoped that it will be beneficial for the country and the nation. He is also expected to play a role in further strengthening and institutionalizing democracy."

All in all, learning from past bitter experiences, the BNP wants to choose someone for the presidency this time who is tested by the party, loyal through long political struggles, and acceptable beyond the party's narrow confines. In that equation, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is now the party's most trusted name.