THAKURGAON, Jan 15: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was filled with joy and excitement during a reunion with his childhood friends here on Wednesday, delighting them by reciting a poem by the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore.
The reunion was arranged by the BNP leader's friends on the premises of Howlader Cold Storage Limited in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila's Palli Bidyut area.
Meeting his old schoolmates after a long time, Fakhrul briefly lost himself in the nostalgia of his youth, becoming emotional as he reminisced about his early years.
Recalling his childhood memories, Fakhrul said, "My close friend Kuddus left us a long time ago. Monowar also passed away, and it used to feel incomplete if I didn't meet him at least once a day. Many of our friends are no longer with us."
He said those of them still alive wish to live in a way that makes them feel truly alive.
"Many of our friends are ill. This morning, I went to see our friend Anisur, who is bedridden and receiving regular treatment. We never know when our time will come, but at least today's gathering will remain a cherished memory for us," the BNP leader said.
He also recalled how he used to chat with friends and annoy them during his school days. "I was quite naughty when I was at school… I can never forget those childhood days and my school life. I always wish I could relive those moments."
When his friends asked him to recite a poem, Fakhrul said, "I used to recite poetry in the past, but now I give speeches. I used to perform in dramas, apply make-up, and was even a member of a theatre group."
He then recited his favourite poem, "Nirjhorer Swapnabhango" by Rabindranath Tagore, to his friends.
As journalists approached him at the reunion, he declined to speak to them, choosing instead to maintain his cheerful mood with his friends. —UNB
