BNP presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir broke down in tears several times today while addressing party colleagues at what could be his final parliamentary party meeting if he is elected president tomorrow.

“I will miss all of you,” Fakhrul told BNP lawmakers towards the end of his emotional speech, recalling party founder Ziaur Rahman and late chairperson Khaleda Zia, becoming particularly emotional while speaking about Khaleda. At one point, he was unable to continue for some time.

The meeting was held on the ninth floor of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with Leader of the House, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. Party leaders said Fakhrul broke down four or five times, leaving the gathering deeply emotional, while Tarique was also visibly moved.

Reflecting on his career, Fakhrul said he had served the party in various positions, beginning as president of the Thakurgaon district BNP and later as senior joint secretary general, acting secretary general and secretary general.

“You have entrusted me with this responsibility, and I will discharge it faithfully,” he said.

He urged his colleagues to consider with leniency any inadvertent errors he may have made during his leadership.

Fakhrul said the party had entrusted him with an honour and responsibility that he would uphold even at the cost of his life, pledging never to compromise on the country’s independence and sovereignty. He urged BNP lawmakers to vote for him in the presidential election, saying his nomination reflected the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and the trust placed in him by Tarique Rahman.

Speaking after Fakhrul, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, “Today is a historic day. We have come this far at a great cost.”

Tarique recalled Fakhrul’s role during BNP’s difficult years, saying he had been picked up at midnight during the Awami League government, imprisoned and persecuted, yet kept the party united. “BNP remains grateful to him for his contribution,” he said.

He added that Fakhrul had taken the helm with immense courage during a critical period and never gave up, while Tarique himself had been forced to remain outside the country. He urged all BNP lawmakers to vote for Fakhrul in tomorrow’s election.