President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday laid the foundation stone of the long-awaited Thakurgaon University.

The President formally inaugurated the construction of the public university by unveiling a plaque and laying the foundation stone at a ceremony held in Jamalpur area of Sadar upazila beside Thakurgaon-Pirganj highway.

The university is being established on around 86 acres of land.

The President said the foundation stone laying marked the fulfilment of a commitment made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Responding to a question from journalists, the President said politics of tolerance, rather than confrontation, must be established in the country.

The President said a university is not merely an institution of higher education; it is also a centre for knowledge, research, innovation and human resource development in a region.

He expressed hope that Thakurgaon University would open new avenues for modern and quality higher education for students in the northern region and play an important role in producing skilled, competent and humane citizens for national development.

After unveiling the plaque and laying the foundation stone, the President offered prayers seeking the university's overall progress and prosperity.

He urged all concerned to complete the university's infrastructure within the stipulated time while maintaining high standards of construction and reiterated the government's commitment to the education sector.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, University Grants Commission Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, Thakurgaon University Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Israfil and senior officials were present at the ceremony.