Thakurgaon, Sept. 5 -- A festive mood has gripped Thakurgaon as President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir prepares to visit his home district for the first time since taking office.

The two-day visit, beginning Sunday, has brought a fresh sense of excitement to the district, with roads being repainted, dividers decorated and public places cleaned and beautified ahead of the President's arrival.

For many residents, however, the visit is about more than ceremony. It has also raised fresh hopes that the President will draw attention to the district's long-standing development needs, particularly in education, healthcare, communications and infrastructure.

The President will be visiting Thakurgaon through September 6-7. Important roads and est...