President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for stronger communication, industrialisation, job creation and expanded education facilities to accelerate the development of Thakurgaon.
He made the remarks at a civic reception held at Boromath in the district town during his two-day visit to his hometown, his first since becoming president.
The President said reopening Thakurgaon Airport could boost trade and business, but economic activities in the area must be strengthened to make the airport functional and sustainable.
He said Thakurgaon still lacks major factories and industries, leaving many people without jobs. He expressed hope that investors, particularly from China, would come forward to establish agro-based industries in the district.
Alamgir said agricultural development under the Barendra Multipurpose Development Programme had created opportunities for agro-based industries. He also urged local entrepreneurs to work together to increase investment and create jobs.
On education, the President said the process of establishing a public university in Thakurgaon had made significant progress. Land has been acquired and paid for, while a vice-chancellor has already been appointed. He is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the university during his visit.
He also said a medical college is expected to be established in the district, with the site already selected and student admission expected to begin next year.
The President said a sports village, new playgrounds, a modern information complex, a National University regional office, a cooperative training institute and a technical training centre would also be established in Thakurgaon.
Calling on young people to become entrepreneurs, he urged them to create employment opportunities. He also praised women who have emerged as entrepreneurs.
Alamgir urged youths to build a strong movement against drugs and directed the district administration and lawmakers to work toward making Thakurgaon completely drug-free.
He also called for an end to political conflicts and confrontations, urging political leaders and activists to pursue their own politics without engaging in clashes.
The President said people in Thakurgaon had faced persecution, arrests and false cases for political reasons in the past. He expressed hope for establishing a politics of reconciliation and building a society based on communal harmony, tolerance and equal rights.
He expressed gratitude to his parents, elders, teachers and others who supported him throughout his life and acknowledged the support of his wife during his political career. He also remembered former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her long struggle to establish democracy.
