BNP to Decide on Presidential Candidate After Party Meeting: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the party has not yet decided who will be nominated for the post of President, adding that the final decision will be taken after discussions at the party's Standing Committee in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the 36th Annual Planning Conference for the 2026–27 fiscal year at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura.

Asked about speculation surrounding his own name for the presidency, Fakhrul declined to comment directly, saying the party's policy-making forum would make the final decision.

Addressing the conference, he alleged that widespread irregularities and corruption had taken place during the country's development initiatives over the past 17 years. Although huge sums had been spent in the name of development, he said, many projects had failed to produce tangible results.

Emphasising the need for sustainable national progress, Fakhrul said the country should prioritise education, research and innovation over political confrontation. He noted that effective application of research at the field level could boost agricultural production and strengthen the rural economy.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring fair prices for farmers by improving cold storage, preservation and marketing facilities, while encouraging greater private investment in the agricultural sector.

Calling on young people to explore opportunities beyond conventional employment, Fakhrul urged them to become entrepreneurs by investing in agriculture-based industries.

He further underscored the need to ensure quality education for all, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities, fair prices for agricultural produce and adequate wages for workers. The conference was chaired by Mohang Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division. The keynote paper was presented by Dr Md Abdul Majid Pramanik, Director General of the Rural Development Academy.

Members of Parliament, senior officials from different ministries and members of the RDA Executive Council were also present at the event.

Following the programme, Fakhrul visited an exhibition showcasing green technologies developed by the academy and planted a sapling of a Burmese grape (lotkon) tree on the RDA premises.