President urges political parties to move country forward through dialogue, consensus

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on political parties to move the country forward through dialogue and consensus. He made the appeal while addressing a reception for distinguished citizens at the Thakurgaon Government Boys' High School ground on Sunday afternoon.

The President said he wants to see a politics of consensus in the country, not conflict. He urged everyone to live as Bangladeshis, without any communal divisions, and expressed support for those who work sincerely for the people.

Calling on political parties to avoid confrontation, he said the country must be moved forward through dialogue and consensus, not through conflict and violence.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir acknowledged the development challenges of Thakurgaon. He recalled the promises made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his election campaign and listed several achievements for the district, including the establishment of a public university, a medical college, the creation of two new upazilas (Bhulli and Ruhia), and the ongoing process for an airport. He also mentioned efforts to bring investment and industry to the region.

He called on the youth to stand on their own feet and stop chasing jobs and contracts. He also urged them to resist drugs and work towards building a society based on love and solidarity.

This was the President's first visit to his home district since being elected. He arrived at the Thakurgaon Mohammad Ali Stadium helipad around 1pm, later than scheduled. He was given a guard of honour at the Circuit House and visited his parents' graves.

A grand reception was organised for him at the historic Bara Maidan in the afternoon. Despite a sudden downpour that plunged the city into darkness, the enthusiasm of thousands of people was undeterred. The entire district was decorated with banners, festoons, arches and lights to welcome him.

On Monday, the second day of his visit, the President will lay the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University.