No compromise on independence and sovereignty: President

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there can be no compromise on the question of independence and sovereignty. He expressed the resolve to protect the country’s independence even at the cost of life if necessary and called on everyone to remain united in the national interest.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a civic reception on the big field of Thakurgaon Government Boys High School on Sunday (September 6).

The President said everyone must play a responsible role in protecting the country’s independence, democracy and the rights of the people. A prosperous, safe and democratic Bangladesh must be built through unity by forgetting divisions in the national interest.

Seeking people’s cooperation to maintain the country’s development, peace and stability, he called on the young generation to work for the welfare of the country inspired by patriotism.

A festive atmosphere prevailed across the district surrounding the President’s first visit to Thakurgaon. Distinguished citizens of the district, representatives of various political parties, representatives from Panchagarh and Dinajpur, officials of the local administration, political figures and people from different walks of life took part in the civic reception.

At the beginning of the visit, District Administrator and District Magistrate Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Police Super Md Belal Hossain and members of the civic reception organizing committee welcomed the President. Later he received a guard of honour after arriving at the Circuit House.

At noon the President visited the graves of his parents at Senua graveyard in Thakurgaon pourashava town. After having lunch and taking rest at his own house in the Kalibari area, he joined the civic reception around 3pm.

After the reception he is scheduled to return to his residence and hold courtesy meetings with dignitaries, relatives and locals. He will stay at his own residence at night.

Extensive security arrangements have been made in Thakurgaon surrounding the President’s visit. Members of the law enforcement agencies have been deployed at Mohammad Ali Stadium, Circuit House, Senua graveyard, the President’s residence and other important areas. Surveillance has also been increased on various roads and around the venue.

On the second day of the visit on Monday (September 7), after courtesy meetings with dignitaries and relatives at his residence, the President will lay the foundation stone of a university around 11:30am. He is then scheduled to end the Thakurgaon visit and return to Bangabhaban in Dhaka.

Dr Muhammad Abu Khairul Kabir, convener of the civic reception committee, said a massive sense of joy and enthusiasm has been created among the people of Thakurgaon surrounding the President’s first visit. All kinds of preparations have been taken to make the reception successful with the presence of a large number of people irrespective of party and opinion.

Police Super Md Belal Hossain said full security arrangements have been in place on various roads and important places of the district since September 5 surrounding the President’s two-day visit. The highest security has been ensured at the venue, the roads of the President’s movement and the surrounding areas.