Thakurgaon prepares to welcome Prez Fakhrul

Thakurgaon is being decorated ahead of President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s first visit to his home district since taking office, with residents also hoping the visit will bring fresh initiatives for the district’s development.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to visit Thakurgaon on a two-day state visit on September 6 and 7. Preparations are underway across the district to welcome him.

Roads, dividers and various establishments in the town are being repainted. Cleaning and beautification work is also underway. A stage is being built at the main field of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School for a civic reception.

A visit to different parts of the town found workers painting road dividers and cleaning roadside areas. Preparations are also underway to make important roads and establishments more presentable.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected president by lawmakers on August 20. As he is a native of Thakurgaon, his election has sparked celebrations among local residents.

Locals hope the president’s visit will lead to new initiatives to address longstanding problems in the district. They particularly want effective measures in education, healthcare, communication and infrastructure.

A civic reception has been organized by members of civil society to mark the president’s first visit to his home district. Organizers said people from different political backgrounds would attend the event.

Dr Muhammad Abu Khairul Kabir, convener of the civic reception committee, said people across Thakurgaon were excited about the president’s first visit. He said the organizers expected more than 100,000 people to attend the reception.

Locals see Fakhrul’s election as president and his first visit to Thakurgaon as a historic occasion. They said his rise through a long political career to the country’s highest constitutional office was a matter of pride for the people of the district.

Security measures have also been strengthened ahead of the visit. Surveillance has been increased around important roads, establishments and event venues. Members of the law enforcement agencies have been placed on alert. Members of the Special Security Force assigned to the president’s security have already arrived in Thakurgaon and started preparations.

Thakurgaon Superintendent of Police Md Belal Hossain said security measures had been strengthened at various roads and important locations ahead of the president’s September 6 and 7 visit. Full-scale security arrangements would begin on September 5, he said.

On the first day of the visit, Sunday, the president is scheduled to visit the graves of his parents and attend the civic reception. On Monday, he is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University.

With the final preparations underway, the appearance of Thakurgaon town is changing with fresh coats of paint. Residents are now waiting to welcome the president while hoping his visit will open new opportunities for education, healthcare, communication and infrastructure development in the district.

-SA