Fakhrul receives praise from home to globe

Newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has received a stream of congratulatory messages from political leaders, parties and organisations at home and abroad following his election as Bangladesh’s 23rd President.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was among the first to congratulate Fakhrul after the election result was announced.

He greeted the newly elected president with a red rose and embraced him at Parliament.
Oli Ahmed, who contested the election against Fakhrul, also congratulated the BNP leader and wished him good health and success in discharging his responsibilities as head of state.

Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus also extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Fakhrul. Jamaat-e-Islami, the main opposition party in Parliament, congratulated Fakhrul and expressed hope that he would remain impartial after taking oath as president and play a strong role in protecting the interests of the country, its people and democracy.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), also congratulated Fakhrul. The two leaders exchanged greetings and shared a warm embrace following his election.

The Jatiya Party (JaPa) extended its heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the newly elected president.

International congratulations
International partners have also welcomed Fakhrul’s election. China, the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland conveyed their congratulations and expressed their desire to further strengthen relations with Bangladesh.

The British High Commission in Dhaka said the UK looks forward to working with President Fakhrul and the Bangladesh government to deepen the close and longstanding partnership between the two countries.

France also congratulated Fakhrul, recognising his long political career and contribution to Bangladesh’s democratic journey. The French Embassy said France remains committed to further strengthening its friendship and bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

The Embassy of Switzerland likewise extended its congratulations and said it looks forward to further developing the longstanding partnership between Switzerland and Bangladesh.

China also congratulated Fakhrul and expressed readiness to work closely with Dhaka to advance bilateral relations and cooperation for mutual benefit.

Yunus congratulates Fakhrul
In his message, Yunus highlighted Fakhrul’s more than five decades of political experience, organisational ability, leadership during times of crisis and extensive engagement with people at the grassroots level.

He said these qualities had established Fakhrul as a distinctive figure in Bangladesh’s national politics.
Yunus expressed hope that Fakhrul, as an academic, seasoned politician and man of principle, would uphold the dignity of the country’s highest constitutional office.

“I look forward to Bangladesh advancing towards greater prosperity, justice, and democracy under the leadership of President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir,” Yunus said, wishing him good health, a long life and every success in carrying out his responsibilities.

Khosru praises Fakhrul
Finance Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury described Fakhrul’s election as a fitting choice for the country’s highest constitutional office.

Speaking to journalists outside Parliament after the result was announced, Khosru described Fakhrul as a seasoned political leader who had spent his political life fighting for democracy and enduring repression and imprisonment.

He said Fakhrul had remained at the forefront of the democratic movement and described him as an honest and competent person.

“I am happy that such a person is going to occupy the President’s Office,” Khosru said.
He also viewed the contested presidential election as a reflection of the return of democratic practices in Bangladesh.

“We have been talking about democracy for so long, and today we are seeing its reflections,” he said, adding that people had almost forgotten when Bangladesh last witnessed a genuine presidential election.

Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan also congratulated Fakhrul on his election as President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Fakhrul is scheduled to take the oath of office on Friday evening.
His election also marks a major transition in his political career. He had served as the BNP secretary general since 2016 and was one of the party’s most senior organisational figures. His move to Bangabhaban is expected to bring changes to the BNP’s organisational structure as the party adjusts to his departure.

Earlier, Fakhrul secured 255 votes in Thursday’s presidential election at the Jatiya Sangsad, defeating his sole rival, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, who received 88 votes. A total of 343 of the 349 eligible lawmakers cast their ballots.