BNP Secretary General and candidate for the Thakurgaon-1 (Sadar) constituency, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, cast his vote on Thursday morning at Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School. After voting, he said the election would determine the future course of Bangladesh and the direction of its politics, adding that democracy in the country is beginning a new chapter.

Mirza Fakhrul arrived at the polling center shortly after 7:30 a.m. and entered the voting room to cast his ballot. He was accompanied by his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, daughters Shamaruh Mirza and Mirza Safaruh, his younger brother and district BNP president Mirza Faisal Amin, along with other family members.

Speaking to reporters afterward, he said that following 15 years of what he described as authoritarian rule, the country has finally been able to hold a national parliamentary election. He called the day significant and historic, expressing hope that the vote would shape Bangladesh’s future and guide its political direction. He also said he believes this marks a fresh start for democracy and expressed optimism that the country’s political and economic path would move steadily toward progress.

The BNP leader noted that the day had come after years of struggle, sacrifice, and bloodshed. He said many people endured repression, enforced disappearances, and killings, while numerous activists and citizens faced persecution. Referring to the events of July 2024, he mentioned that nearly 2,000 students, workers, farmers, and ordinary citizens lost their lives. He also recalled the passing of former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia after a prolonged political movement. According to him, today’s election follows immense sacrifice, and he expressed hope that it would be conducted in a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful manner, opening a new chapter for Bangladesh.

According to the district election office, Thakurgaon-1 constituency has 511,629 registered voters. Three candidates are contesting the seat: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of BNP, Delawar Hossain of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Khademul Islam of Islami Andolon Bangladesh.