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BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said he has never treated politics as a source of income, revealing that he sold his ancestral property to finance his political activities.
“I am doing politics by selling my father’s land and houses,” he said while campaigning in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, UNB reports.
He explained that the land they have had belonged to his father, Chokha Mia (Mirza Ruhul Amin), but “more than half of it is gone; I have had to sell even the plot in front of the house,” he added.
Mirza Fakhrul stressed that he has never been involved in corruption. “I have never earned money through politics. My wife and children have worked very hard to study and run the family.”
Describing his personal life simply, he said, “The car I drive in Dhaka is 20 years old. I have not been able to change it till now. We do not want to live depending on anyone’s charity or begging. We emphasise job opportunities and self-reliance.”
Reflecting on the political climate of the past 15 years, he said people were unable to speak out, often beaten or burdened with lawsuits. “Fortunately, we have come through that difficult period.”
He said the time has now come for a turnaround, with a focus on employment for ordinary people. “We want to live by working. To become eligible for jobs, people need proper training,” he added.
The BNP Secretary General also underscored that his party does not endorse politics of revenge. He promised that if elected, employment would be generated, an airport opened, and a medical college established.
Recalling the 2001 election, he said, “You mothers and sisters made garlands from the money saved by selling eggs, chickens, and vegetables and gave them to me. You elected me, and I tried to work for you.”
Highlighting his achievements as Agriculture Minister, he cited the Barendra Multi-Purpose Development Project, installation of deep tube wells, and other agricultural initiatives.
Criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, he said those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence and have not apologised cannot ensure the country’s security. “Jamaat did not oppose the liberation war only in 1971. History shows they opposed Pakistan in 1947 as well,” he noted.
Mirza Fakhrul said many people are unaware of this history, which is clearly documented in books. “Can a party that did not believe in the state of Bangladesh keep this country safe? If they come to power, will the people benefit?” he asked.
He urged voters not to support parties that had harmed Bangladesh in the past. “An area develops only when good, honest, and patriotic leadership comes from that area. If the leadership is good, development will follow,” he said.
Despite being a victim of 117 false cases and various forms of harassment during 17 years under the Awami League regime, he said he remained connected with people.