THAKURGAON, Aug. 21 -- The election of former BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country's president has sparked widespread celebrations in his hometown of Thakurgaon, where his name now dominates conversations from urban tea stalls to remote villages.

Although Mirza Fakhrul is currently in Dhaka, people continue to gather in front of his residence in Thakurgaon. Residents have been watching television coverage of the parliamentary proceedings and applauding as lawmakers approved his election.

Mirza Fakhrul elected Bangladesh's 23rd President

For many in the district, his election is a matter of pride, as the veteran politician rose from the local level to the country's highest constitutional office.

Mirza Fakhru...