President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called on political leaders and activists to shun confrontation and embrace dialogue, saying Bangladesh needs a politics of reconciliation to strengthen democracy and build a more inclusive society.
“We do not want any conflict or confrontation in Thakurgaon. Let us practise politics through dialogue and discussion,” he said while addressing a civic reception held in his honour at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School ground.
The reception, organised by the Civic Committee and local civil society members, marked the president’s first visit to his home district since assuming office.
The president said there could be no compromise on the country’s independence and sovereignty.
“Even if I have to give my life, I want to protect the country and its independence,” he said, urging people to remain united and put national interests above political differences.
He said people had made sacrifices and shed blood for democracy and that the focus now should be on protecting democratic values and strengthening democratic institutions.
Mirza Fakhrul also called for equal rights for people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, saying everyone should be able to live together as Bangladeshis.
He urged the people of Thakurgaon to work together to build a society based on love, unity and mutual respect rather than hatred, conflict and revenge.
Recalling a message from former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia following 5 August, he said the sacrifices made by the people had created an opportunity to establish democracy and build a society through love rather than confrontation.
University, medical college projects
Turning to development in his home district, President Fakhrul said the process of establishing a public university in Thakurgaon had made significant progress.
He said land had already been acquired and a vice-chancellor appointed. He is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University on Monday.
He also said a proposed medical college would be established in the district, with student admissions expected to begin next year.
Two new upazilas sought by local residents have already been formed, he said, adding that their respective Upazila Nirbahi Officers had joined and begun working.
Calls for more investment
The president stressed the need for greater industrialisation and economic activity in Thakurgaon to create jobs.
He said the proposed Shibganj airport could boost trade and business, but maintaining the airport in the long run would require stronger economic activity and industrial development in the area.
“We have almost no factories or industries here. There are not enough jobs,” he said.
He said efforts were underway to attract investors, particularly in agro-based industries, and noted that the finance adviser and commerce minister had recently visited the area and met local business people.
Referring to recent exchanges with China, Mirza Fakhrul said Chinese experts and investors could be encouraged to explore opportunities for agro-based industries in Thakurgaon.
He urged residents not to depend solely on government jobs or contracts, but to create employment opportunities through entrepreneurship.
“Unless you stand on your own feet, nobody else can make you stand,” he said, encouraging young people and entrepreneurs to take initiatives.
The president also called for greater participation of women in economic activities, saying it could help create more employment.
Overseas jobs, anti-drug campaign
Mirza Fakhrul said around 10,000 people would have opportunities to work abroad under an overseas recruitment initiative without having to bear the recruitment costs themselves.
He said he had discussed the matter with Minister Arif and that recruitment would initially focus on people from Thakurgaon.
The president urged young people to take a strong stand against drugs and work to make the district drug-free. He said he had asked local officials and lawmakers to take steps to achieve the goal.
He also called on local businessmen to unite and increase investment in the district.
“I can assure you that wherever I am and whatever position I hold, I will always try to extend all possible cooperation to you,” he said.
Emotional return home
Recalling his childhood in Thakurgaon, the president said his birthplace, childhood and school life were all closely connected with the district.
He expressed gratitude to his teachers, saying they had taught him honesty and leadership and helped shape his life.
He also thanked local people for their continued support and confidence in him.
Earlier in the day, he arrived in Thakurgaon by helicopter and received a state guard of honour. He later visited the graves of his late parents and offered prayers for their souls.
He then joined the civic reception, where people from different professions and communities, along with cultural performers, gathered to welcome him.
Towards the end of his speech, the president became emotional and recited a line from a Bengali poem, “Let my name be known as one who belongs to you.”
Officials, political leaders and people from different walks of life from Thakurgaon, Panchagarh and Dinajpur attended the reception.
