President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on all political parties to work together to advance the country through dialogue, mutual understanding and consensus, urging them to avoid violence and confrontation.

He made the call while speaking at a civic reception for distinguished personalities held at the Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School field on Sunday afternoon.

The president said, “My request will be to you, to the leaders of all political parties, that there should be no violence, no conflict. Let us do politics through dialogue and discussion. The greatest thing in democracy is tolerance. We have to move forward with that tolerance. We have to build democratic institutions. If we can build them, then we can establish democracy firmly.”

Referring to the country’s long struggle for democracy, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We fought and struggled for the democracy that we want to protect. We want to build those democratic institutions. We truly want to see a politics of reconciliation in Bangladesh. We want to see efforts to eliminate people’s hardships. We want to see how education can be improved. We want to see that our boys and girls here can get jobs or start businesses after completing their education. We do not want any division between Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians here. We want everyone to live together as Bangladeshi citizens with their rights. We must always remember these things.”

Thakurgaon development initiatives highlighted
The president said the people of Thakurgaon have long remained among the country’s disadvantaged communities, with many living in poverty. He recalled several demands raised by local residents and said Prime Minister Tarek Rahman had made commitments during his election campaign.

One of those demands was a public university in Thakurgaon. Mirza Fakhrul said land for the university had already been arranged and the vice-chancellor was present at the event.

“Tomorrow, InshaAllah, we will lay the foundation stone. Your sons and daughters will be able to study there and pursue higher education,” he said.

He also recalled the demand for a medical college in the district, saying the initiative had already been approved and a site had been selected. Once the land-related process is completed, student admission is expected to begin next year, InshaAllah.

The president also said the demands to establish Bhullar and Ruhia as separate upazilas had been fulfilled. The two areas have been separated, upazila nirbahi officers have joined and administrative activities have begun.

Airport needs stronger economic activity
Regarding the demand for an airport in Thakurgaon, Mirza Fakhrul said an airport might not directly benefit ordinary people to a significant extent, but it would make business and trade easier.

However, he stressed that keeping an airport operational and sustainable in the future would require greater industrialisation and economic activity in the area.

“There are virtually no factories, industries or industrial establishments here. People have no jobs and cannot find work,” he said, adding that the government was working to change the situation.

He said that after the government assumed office, the economic adviser had visited Thakurgaon, inspected the area and held discussions with local businesspeople. The commerce minister had also visited and toured different areas.

The president expressed hope that investors would soon be brought to Thakurgaon, particularly to establish agro-based industries and create employment opportunities.

Hope for Chinese involvement in agro-based industries
Mirza Fakhrul also recalled a visit by the Chinese ambassador to Thakurgaon. He said the ambassador had distributed school bags to nearly 6,000 children at the stadium.

He also said that 10 schoolchildren and five teachers had recently been taken to China, where they visited and observed various places.

The president expressed hope that Chinese investors and experts would also come to Thakurgaon to help establish industries and explore ways to develop agro-based businesses in the district.

President urges youth to become self-reliant
Addressing young people, Mirza Fakhrul urged them to become self-reliant rather than constantly pursuing government jobs or contracting opportunities.

He also called on the youth to stand united against drugs and work together to build a society based on mutual respect and compassion.

He said everyone should work for the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy, even at the cost of their lives if necessary.

First visit to Thakurgaon after becoming president
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited his home district Thakurgaon for the first time since being elected president. He was scheduled to land at the helipad of Thakurgaon Mohammad Ali Stadium at 11:40am, but arrived at around 1pm.

He was subsequently given a guard of honour at the Thakurgaon District Circuit House before visiting Senua Cemetery to pay respects at his parents’ graves.

Along the way, the president waved back at crowds of people who stood in rows on both sides of the roads to greet him.

A colourful civic reception was organised in his honour at the historic Boro Maath in the afternoon, with people from all sections of the district taking part.

Shortly before the reception began, the city was suddenly plunged into darkness as heavy rain lashed the area. However, the adverse weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm and excitement of the large crowd gathered to welcome the president.

The president’s visit has created a festive atmosphere across Thakurgaon. Major roads, key intersections and entry points to the city have been decorated with colourful banners, festoons, arches and lighting.

On the second day of his visit, Monday, President Mirza Fakhrul is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University.

Meanwhile, tight security measures have been put in place across the district ahead of the president’s visit. Surveillance has been intensified around key installations, roads and event venues, while a large number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed along the president’s entire route.

Once known as a beloved local figure and the “son of the soil” of Thakurgaon, Mirza Fakhrul is now being welcomed with pride by residents of the district as the country’s president. People from all walks of life have been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of their long-time leader and welcome him in person.