DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Elections & Politics

[object Object]

From Daily Star · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Residents of Thakurgaon, Bangladesh, are expressing pride and anticipation as Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a native of the town, is nominated as the frontrunner for the country's presidential election.
  • While proud of his potential ascension to the highest office, some residents anticipate a loss of personal access to him due to increased security measures.
  • Fakhrul, who has a history as a teacher and former municipal chairman in Thakurgaon, remains a figure of local pride, with many still referring to him affectionately as "Sir."

Thakurgaon, Bangladesh, is abuzz with anticipation as the presidential election nears, with many residents hopeful that Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP nominee and frontrunner, will become the nation's next president. Alamgir, born and raised in Thakurgaon, spent his formative years there, completing his early education and later teaching at Thakurgaon Government College before entering national politics.

It is a matter of pride that our Sir has been nominated for president.

โ€” Nazrul IslamA rickshaw puller from Thakurgaon, expressing local pride.

The prospect of one of their own reaching the country's highest constitutional office has become the primary topic of conversation in the town. Residents express a mixture of pride and a sense of anticipated distance. Nazrul Islam, a rickshaw puller, stated, "It is a matter of pride that our Sir has been nominated for president." This sentiment reflects a widespread local feeling of honor.

It is a great honour for us to see Sir become president. But we may not be able to meet him as easily as we did before because of the security measures surrounding the president.

โ€” Sujan IslamA grocery shop owner, reflecting on the pride and anticipated distance.

However, the elevation also brings a sense of potential loss. Sujan Islam, a grocery shop owner, noted, "It is a great honour for us to see Sir become president. But we may not be able to meet him as easily as we did before because of the security measures surrounding the president." This sentiment of pride tempered by the reality of increased distance was echoed by others.

It is a matter of pride not only for me but for the people of the country that my friend may adorn the office of president. However, it saddens me to think that we, the people of Thakurgaon, will be deprived of his proximity.

โ€” Professor Monotosh Kumar DeyA childhood friend and educationist, sharing pride and concern.

Professor Monotosh Kumar Dey, a childhood friend and educationist in Thakurgaon, shared the collective pride, saying, "It is a matter of pride not only for me but for the people of the country that my friend may adorn the office of president." He also voiced concern that development projects initiated in the area under Fakhrul's leadership might lose momentum. Shariful Islam Sharif, president of the Thakurgaon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also expressed pride in "our Alamgir Sir" being nominated. Regardless of the election's outcome, in Thakurgaon, where he began his public life, he remains a respected figure known fondly as "Sir."

Sir has received the party's nomination for the presidency, and we hope he will be elected within the next few hours.

โ€” Poygam AliGeneral secretary of Thakurgaon district BNP, expressing hope for election victory.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.