Jamaat ameer pledges 'Noakhali division' if elected to power
He also sent a direct message to extortionists, urging them to cease their illegal activities immediately or face the "sternest form" of the party.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has vowed to fulfil the long-standing demands of Noakhali residents, specifically promising the establishment of a new administrative division and a city corporation.
Speaking as the chief guest at a massive election rally of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance held at the Noakhali Zila School grounds today (30 January), he assured voters that these pledges would be implemented through "insaf' (justice) in a phased manner.
The Jamaat chief outlined a comprehensive six-point development plan for the region, with a primary focus on environmental safety and connectivity.
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He emphasised that effective measures would be taken to prevent river erosion in the coastal belts of Hatiya, Companiganj, and Subarnachar.
His plan also includes the construction of essential river closures on the Companiganj and Choto Feni rivers, alongside the expansion of the railway network from Sonapur to Hatiya's Chairman Ghat to facilitate smoother regional transport.
During a moment through his speech, Shafiqur recalled the reported ordeal of a mother in Subarnachar who was tortured by "predators" for voting for the "Sheaf of Paddy" (the electoral symbol of BNP) in a previous election.
He declared that a new municipality would be established in Subarnachar as a tribute to her resilience and honour.
Empowerment over doles
Shifting the focus to the youth and the national economy, the Jamaat ameer stated that the alliance does not intend to merely provide unemployment allowances.
Instead, he expressed a vision to build the "hands of the nation's architects" by fostering a youth-led political landscape.
He pointed out that the majority of the 11-party alliance candidates are under the age of 45, which he described as a clear message that the future of Bangladesh belongs to the younger generation.
On the issue of governance, Shafiqur promised to build a corruption-free administration.
He proposed a revised pay commission to ensure government employees receive fair wages, thereby eliminating the need for bribery.
However, accompanying this with a stern warning, he stated that those who abandon the path of honesty would face rigorous disciplinary action.
He also sent a direct message to extortionists, urging them to cease their illegal activities immediately or face the "sternest form" of the party.
During the rally, which was presided over by District Jamaat Ameer and Noakhali-4 candidate Md Isaaq Khandakar, Shafiqur formally introduced the alliance's representatives.
He handed the "Scale" symbol to Principal Maulana Saifullah for Noakhali-1, Maulana Burhan Uddin for Noakhali-3, Md Isaaq Khandakar for Noakhali-4, and Belayet Hossain for Noakhali-5.
Meanwhile, the "Shapla Koli" symbol was presented to Sultan Mohammed Zakaria for Noakhali-2 and the designated candidate for Noakhali-6.
The event was attended by several high-profile leaders, including Jamaat's Central Assistant Secretary General ATM Masum, Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah, and Ducsu VP Abu Shadik Kayem, among other central and local figures.
