President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the people, particularly leaders and activists of all political parties, to refrain from conflict and confrontation and work together to strengthen democratic institutions.
“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 organised in his honour at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School field on Sunday.
The reception was organised by the Civic Committee and local civil society members to welcome the President during his first visit to his home district after assuming office.
The President called for a “politics of reconciliation” in Bangladesh, saying the country should move forward with tolerance and mutual respect.
“We do not want to see more deaths and bloodshed. We fought and made sacrifices for democracy, and now we want to protect that democracy and build democratic institutions,” he said.
He also called for ensuring equal rights for people of all faiths and communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, so that everyone could live together as Bangladeshis.
Referring to development demands of the people of Thakurgaon, President Fakhrul said the process of establishing a public university in the district had progressed significantly.
He said the university land had been acquired and the vice-chancellor was already in place. He is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University on Monday.
The President also said that the proposed medical college would be established in the district and student admission was expected to begin from next year.
He said two separate upazilas demanded by local people had already been formed, with the respective UNOs joining their posts and beginning work.
The President said Thakurgaon needed greater industrial and economic activity to create employment opportunities for its people.
He said the proposed Shibganj airport could facilitate business and trade, but keeping the airport operational in the future would require increased economic activity and industrialisation in the area.
“We have almost no factories or industries here. There are not enough jobs,” he said, adding that efforts were under way to attract investors, particularly for agro-based industries.
He said the Finance Adviser and the Commerce Minister had visited the area and held discussions with local business people.
The President also referred to recent exchanges with China, saying Chinese experts and investors could be encouraged to come to Thakurgaon and explore opportunities for developing agro-based industries.
President Fakhrul urged local people not to depend solely on jobs or government contracts but to try to create employment opportunities themselves.
“Unless you stand on your own feet, nobody else can make you stand,” he said, encouraging young people and entrepreneurs to take initiatives.
He also urged women to become more involved in economic activities, saying greater participation by women could create more employment opportunities.
Referring to overseas employment, he said around 10,000 people would have opportunities to go abroad without having to bear the costs themselves under an overseas recruitment initiative.
He said he had discussed the matter with Minister Arif and that recruitment would initially begin with people from Thakurgaon.
-UNB
