"We Want to Elect Mirza Fakhrul as President": Chief Whip

Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni stated today that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance have nominated party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as their presidential candidate.

"Our party, BNP, has given the nomination. Our Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been nominated by the party alliance. Insha'Allah, we want to elect him as President on the upcoming 20th," Moni told reporters after submitting the nomination papers at the election office on Thursday (August 13).

The Chief Whip informed that BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan proposed Mirza Fakhrul's nomination, while Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy seconded it.

He noted that the presidential election will take place in the Parliament building, where lawmakers will cast their votes with the Chief Election Commissioner acting as the returning officer.Nurul Islam Moni also mentioned that Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad has been nominated by the 11-party alliance and his nomination papers have also been submitted.

Consequently, a competitive presidential election is expected on August 20.Regarding the implementation of the July Charter, the Chief Whip highlighted the Prime Minister’s declaration that every word and punctuation mark of the July Charter will be implemented.

"We will not rewrite the Constitution," Moni stated. "Even if a single comma is changed, it will be considered a constitutional amendment or reform. To create a long-term constitution for future generations, an initiative will be taken to amend it by taking views from all sides.

"When asked who would replace Mirza Fakhrul as BNP Secretary General if he is elected President, the Chief Whip declined to comment immediately, stating that no further decisions are to be disclosed at this moment and that the process will follow established electoral rules.

Elaborating on constitutional reforms, he added, "One must clearly understand the difference between 'reform' and 'amendment'. India adopted its constitution in 1950 and amended it 106 times up to 2026 without writing a new one.

We, too, will not rewrite our constitution. Any modification falls under an amendment. We want to work together to amend the constitution effectively to serve as a lasting foundation for future generations."