Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has formally begun his election campaign in Thakurgaon, stepping up grassroots outreach as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the upcoming polls.
The senior BNP leader, who is contesting the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, launched his campaign on Friday afternoon with a road meeting and public gathering at Sholthari Bazar in Debipur Union, the southernmost part of the constituency. The event drew a large crowd of party supporters and local residents.
Mirza Fakhrul addressed the gathering, recalling his long personal connection with the area and his formative years spent among the local community. He said returning to Thakurgaon continued to give him renewed energy and a sense of responsibility to serve the people.
He pointed to development initiatives carried out during previous BNP governments, crediting the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia for nationwide progress. In Thakurgaon, he highlighted irrigation improvements delivered through the Barendra Deep Tube Well Project, which he said had strengthened agricultural production and supported farmers.
Turning to the current political competition, Mirza Fakhrul criticised rival parties for what he described as a lack of governing experience. He outlined BNP policy pledges, saying that if elected, the party would introduce family cards for women and agricultural cards for farmers to help improve living standards, in line with commitments made by BNP chairman Tarique Rahman.
He also argued that the BNP was uniquely positioned to ensure public security and social stability, describing the party as one rooted in harmony and peaceful coexistence. Urging voters to unite behind the BNP, he said political stability was essential to sustaining economic activity, particularly at a time when households are facing rising commodity prices and broader development challenges.
The meeting was chaired by Salahuddin, president of Ward No 2 of Debipur Union, and attended by BNP leaders and activists from district, upazila and union levels, as well as a large number of local residents.