United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said democracy must be institutionalised and local government must be strengthened to make democracy stronger. He made the remarks when administrators of 33 district councils met him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon, President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told UNB.  Describing local government the biggest strength of democracy, the President instructed the district council administrators to remain active and vigilant to break away from the corruption left behind by the fascist regime. During the meeting, the district council administrators placed various demands before the President, including enhancement of their status. Mirza Fakhrul assured them that steps will be taken promptly to resolve their problems, saying the present government is a government of the people. He also said the government is working with due importance to strengthen the local government system as part of its efforts to decentralise power. The President recalled with gratitude the active participation of the district council administrators in restoring democracy and in the long struggle against fascism. He also gave the administrators necessary directives to accelerate development activities of the district councils, ensure citizen services at the local level and maintain administrative transparency.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived in Thakurgaon on Sunday afternoon on a two-day visit, his first tour to his home district since assuming office. A helicopter carrying the President landed at Thakurgaon Mohammad Ali Stadium at 1:00pm. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Huq, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rangpur Range) Mohammad Abdul Mabud, Superintendent of Police Md Belal Hossain, Thakurgaon district BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin and General Secretary Paigam Ali welcomed the President at the helipad.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday visited ailing Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital in the capital. The President went to the hospital around 9:30am and spent some time at Tuku’s bedside, said his Assistant Private Secretary Mohammad Yunus Ali. “The doctors briefed the President about the Energy Minister’s physical condition. He also spoke to minister’s son Abed Hasan Mahmud,” Yunus said. State Minister for Energy Aninda Islam Amit, President’s Military Secretary Major General ASM Bahauuddin, President’s personal physician Colonel AKM Faizul Haque and Assistant Private Secretary Mohammad Yunus Ali were present. Tuku was admitted to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital around 10:30pm on Tuesday. His son Abed Hasan Mahmud said his father had been suffering from a high fever for the past few days. “Following the advice of specialist doctors, it was decided to admit him to the hospital for necessary medical tests and advanced treatment,” he said. Abed said his father is undergoing treatment under close observation by doctors.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to visit his home district Thakurgaon on September 6-7. It will be his first visit to the district since assuming the presidency. On the first day of his visit, the President will attend a reception, organised by Nagorik committee at 3pm on September 6 at the field of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School. Dr Abu Mohammad Khairul Kabir, convener of the Nagorik committee, said the president will arrive in Thakurgaon by a helicopter. After receiving a guard of honour at the Circuit House, President Mirza Fakhrul will visit Senua graveyard in the town to offer prayers at his father’s grave. He will then visit his family home before joining the reception. On September 7, the President will lay the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University at Jamalpur, about 15 kilometres from the town, beside the Thakurgaon-Pirganj road. Thakurgaon University Vice-Chancellor Dr Israfil Shaheen said a limited number of guests will attend the ceremony. President’s younger brother and Thakurgaon district BNP President Mirza Foysal Amin said the president will be accorded a civic reception. He said the president is now a neutral person and urged everyone to ensure that no BNP or sheaf-of-paddy symbols are displayed at the reception. Local people are eagerly awaiting the president’s arrival, with preparations underway across the town. Cleaning, renovation and repainting works are being carried out at several prominent locations ahead of his visit.