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.

The President called upon the young people of Thakurgaon to take a strong stand against drugs and work towards making the district a drug-free area.

He said he had asked local officials and lawmakers to take initiatives in this regard.

He also urged 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.

Recalling his childhood in Thakurgaon, the President said his birthplace, childhood and school life were all associated 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 the people of Thakurgaon for their continued support and confidence in him.

The President said he wanted to see a society based on unity, love and mutual respect, rather than hatred, conflict or revenge.

He recalled a message of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia following August 5, saying the country had received an opportunity after many sacrifices and bloodshed to establish democracy and that people should build a society through love rather than confrontation.

Earlier in the day, the President received a civic reception at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School field, where local people, members of different communities and cultural performers welcomed him.