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THAKURGAON: The long-standing demand of the people of Thakurgaon for a public university took a major step towards fulfilment on Monday as President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir laid the foundation stone of the proposed institution.
The foundation stone was laid at around 11am at the Bhatarmer Sugarcane Farm area in Jamalpur Union under Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.
Speaking at a civic gathering after the ceremony, the President said the people of Thakurgaon had long been aspiring to have a nationally recognised public university in the district.
He said the initiative has moved closer to reality in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s commitment to establishing the university.
Expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah, Mirza Fakhrul said the long-cherished aspiration of people from all sections of Thakurgaon was finally being realised.
He also thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his direct guidance in expediting approval for the university and selecting its site.
The President said the land allocated for the university had been obtained from the Ministry of Industries and the Thakurgaon Sugar Mills authorities, thanking all concerned for their cooperation.
He expressed hope that the university’s master plan and infrastructure designs would be finalised soon, allowing the main construction work to begin shortly.
The university would play a historic role in expanding access to higher education, creating employment opportunities and bringing about economic transformation in the region, he said.
The President also urged local residents to come forward to protect and support the institution.
Asked by journalists about the country’s recent political situation after the ceremony, Mirza Fakhrul initially declined to comment on political matters, saying, “I now hold a position above politics, so I will not answer political questions.”
However, speaking about the prevailing environment in the country, he said, “We do not want to see politics of conflict or revenge anymore. Enough is enough.”
He said people now wanted compromise, democracy and a political culture based on tolerance.
Relief and Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad and university Vice-Chancellor Dr Israfil Shaheen attended the programme as special guests.
Members of the university’s syndicate, administrative officials, academics, local political leaders, journalists and representatives of various professional organisations were also present.
