Protecting democracy is our biggest task now: President

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for cooperation between the government and opposition and a stronger parliament, saying protecting democracy is now the country's biggest task after years of sacrifice to restore democratic rule.

"We have regained democracy by removing the fascist government at the cost of many sacrifices and lives. Now we have an opportunity to institutionalise democracy. Protecting democracy is our main task," he said at a civic reception hosted by Sylhet City Corporation at Nagar Bhaban today (15 September).

However, the Sylhet metropolitan unit of the BNP boycotted the reception, alleging that it had not been properly considered in preparations for the event.

The president said the government and opposition must work together to safeguard democracy and make parliament effective.

"There will be differences of opinion on various issues, but we must reach consensus on fundamental matters," he said.

He said the next challenge was to rebuild the country, strengthen democracy and build a prosperous Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh has stumbled many times. Today we have another opportunity to rebuild the country. We must not lose this opportunity. We have to stand on our own feet," he said.

'I must speak in a non-partisan manner'

At the beginning of his speech, Mirza Fakhrul said his responsibilities as president required him to take a different approach from his earlier role as a political activist.

"I cannot speak to you in the same way as I did before as a political worker because I have taken an oath to work and speak in a completely non-partisan manner," he said.

Referring to Sylhet's diverse communities, he said few places in Bangladesh could match the region's communal harmony.

"Sylhet is a very dear place to me. Whenever I get the opportunity, I come here. Every time I have visited Sylhet, I have received your warm hospitality. You stood beside us even during our worst times," he said.

He said he had stood alongside the people of Sylhet in the past and would continue to do so.

"Inshallah, the people of Sylhet will lead the country in the future," he added.

President highlights Sylhet's heritage

The president highlighted Sylhet's religious, cultural and historical heritage, mentioning Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), Hazrat Shah Paran (RA), Sri Chaitanya Dev, Hason Raja, Radharaman Dutta, Shitalang Shah, Shah Abdul Karim and Hemanga Biswas.

He also referred to prominent political and national figures from the region, including MAG Osmani, Saifur Rahman, MA Khan and Elias Ali.

Mirza Fakhrul praised Sylhet's tea gardens and said expatriates from the region make a major contribution to the national economy.

Describing the people of Sylhet as peace-loving but willing to protest against injustice, he urged expatriate Bangladeshis to invest in the country, saying there is significant potential for investment and industrial development.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates' Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and Whip GK Gouse, among others, spoke at the reception.

The president arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport from Dhaka on a US-Bangla Airlines flight in the morning and later visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA).

It was his first visit to Sylhet since assuming the presidency. His wife accompanied him.