President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said he would perform his state duties in a fully nonpartisan manner and put the interests of the country, state and people first. Speaking at his first durbar with Bangabhaban officials and employees at 11:30am on Thursday in the Darbar Hall, he said he had resigned from positions in his party, parliament and the cabinet before assuming the presidency.

He said he would hold no personal anger or favour toward anyone while carrying out his responsibilities. The president stressed earning public trust and working with honesty, dedication, sincerity and responsibility. He urged Bangabhaban staff to show love, respect and loyalty to the country and its people, and described Bangabhaban as a symbol of state dignity and sovereignty whose prestige must be protected.

Mirza Fakhrul called for strict confidentiality in Bangabhaban’s daily activities and matters involving important state decisions so that state security is not disrupted. He also urged economical and responsible state spending, prevention of waste, and transparent, accountable use of public resources. He paid tribute to the 1971 war martyrs, remembered Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, and said staff should work together as one family.