President calls for ‘politics of reconciliation’
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned to his home district on Sunday for the first time since assuming office, using the visit to press political leaders across the spectrum to abandon confrontation and instead pursue what he called a “politics of reconciliation.”
Speaking at a civic reception in his honor at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School, the president told a crowd of local officials, civil society figures and cultural performers that Bangladesh’s fragile democratic gains could not survive further political violence.
“We do not want any conflict or confrontation in Thakurgaon,” he said, urging parties to resolve differences “through dialogue and discussion” rather than street clashes.
The event, organized by a local civic committee, marked a homecoming for the president, who was born and raised in Thakurgaon and has often spoken of the district’s influence on his political life.
He told the audience that his teachers there had instilled in him the values of honesty and leadership, and he thanked residents for their long-standing support.
Much of the president’s address centered on preserving the democratic transition that followed the mass protests and political upheaval of recent years.
He invoked the sacrifices made during that period, saying the country could not afford a return to bloodshed.
He also called for equal treatment of religious minorities, naming Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians specifically, and said all citizens should be able to live together under a shared Bangladeshi identity.
Referring to a message from former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia after the political shifts of Aug. 5, he said the country should choose “love” over “confrontation” as it rebuilds its institutions.
Development Promises for a Long-Overlooked District
Alongside his political appeals, President Fakhrul used the visit to outline a series of development commitments for Thakurgaon, a district he described as lacking in industry and jobs.
He said land had been acquired and a vice-chancellor appointed for a planned public university, whose foundation stone he was scheduled to lay the following day.
A medical college is also planned for the district, with student admissions expected to begin next year, he said.
Two new upazilas sought by local residents have already been created, he added, with administrative officers now in place.
Turning to the local economy, the president acknowledged the district’s limited industrial base.
“We have almost no factories or industries here,” he said, adding that officials were working to attract investors, particularly in agro-based sectors.
He said the finance adviser and commerce minister had already visited to meet with local business owners, and suggested that Chinese investors, following recent diplomatic exchanges, could be encouraged to explore opportunities in the district.
A proposed airport in Shibganj could support future trade, he said, but cautioned that sustaining it would depend on the district first building up its industrial and economic activity.
Self-Reliance and Youth Engagement
The president repeatedly urged residents, particularly young people, not to wait for government jobs or contracts.
“Unless you stand on your own feet, nobody else can make you stand,” he said, calling on entrepreneurs to take the initiative in creating employment.
He also encouraged greater participation by women in economic life, saying it could generate additional jobs across the district.
On overseas employment, he said an initiative was in place to send roughly 10,000 workers abroad without requiring them to cover recruitment costs themselves, with Thakurgaon residents given initial priority.
He said he had raised the matter directly with a minister he identified as Arif.
The president also called on young people to reject drug use and help make the district drug-free, saying he had instructed local officials and lawmakers to pursue the goal, and appealed to local businessmen to increase investment and cooperation.
“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 told the crowd before concluding his remarks.
