Jamaat ameer promises fruitful talks with India to resolve Feni embankment issue

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said his party would seek a peaceful and effective resolution to the Feni embankment issue through "fruitful dialogue" with India, expressing hope that the neighbouring country would show mutual respect.

"The embankment that has caused you suffering in Feni has not yet been constructed. If Allah gives us the opportunity, we know there are some issues to discuss with our neighbouring country on this matter. We respect them, and we hope they will respect us as well. Through fruitful dialogue, we will find a peaceful solution," he said today (30 January) while addressing a large election rally organised by the 11-party alliance at the Feni Government Pilot High School ground, where he spoke as the chief guest.

Referring to the devastation caused by flooding in Feni, the Jamaat Ameer said, "When the embankment collapsed under the onrush of water from across the border, the entire Feni district turned into a sea. We rushed here at that time. There was no way to even reach Feni. People were wading through waist-deep water, and I too tried to stand by the people by walking through waist-deep water."

"I saw your suffering and could only shed tears. At that time, I could not go to the breached embankment area. Later, when the situation improved, I visited the site. This is a question of our dignity and security," he added.

While speaking about the Feni River, Dr Shafiqur Rahman recalled Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) student Abrar Fahad, saying, "Today I deeply remember Abrar Fahad, the meritorious student of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He spoke just a few words about the Feni River, and for that, he had to give his life."

Addressing the people of Feni, he said, "I leave Abrar Fahad's soul in your care. Please keep a place for him in your hearts. He spoke about the country's rightful claims. Those who are collaborators of hegemony could not tolerate him."

The Jamaat Ameer also pledged development initiatives for Feni, saying, "In a country of 18 crore people and 64 districts, no district will be deprived of a government medical college. Feni will have a government medical college and a specialised hospital. The Feni stadium will also be developed into an international-standard venue."

On elections and democracy, he said, "You will cast the first vote as 'Yes'. Yes means freedom, no means slavery. The second vote will be in favour of protecting Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty. We want a Bangladesh where the child of an ordinary rickshaw puller can one day become prime minister through merit. We want to change the culture where the son of a king becomes a king, and the son of a minister becomes a minister."

Addressing communal harmony and women's rights, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, "To us, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians are all equal. There is propaganda that if Jamaat comes to power, women will not be allowed to go outside their homes. This is false. We will ensure both the dignity and security of mothers and sisters."

He also dismissed what he described as misinformation about Qawmi madrasas, saying, "We say that Qawmi madrasas are dear to our hearts."

Warning against election-related violence or tension, he said, "We are seeing hot-headed behaviour in various places. If you lose your temper in winter, what will you do in the month of Chaitra? Keep your heads cool. Respect the July fighters. Do not raise your hands against mothers and sisters. One long sigh from a mother will burn you to ashes."

At the rally, Dr Shafiqur Rahman called on party leaders and activists to deploy all their strength to ensure victory for the 11-party alliance candidates, urging them to guard polling centres and return home only after ensuring the results.

Presenting the alliance symbols, he handed the balance scale to Advocate Kamal Uddin, the 11-party alliance candidate in Feni-1, and the eagle symbol to Zahidul Islam, the alliance candidate in Feni-2, saying, "Those we have presented today are not gifts from any single party, but from a united Bangladesh. Here, all 11 parties are united. Whichever symbol a candidate has been given, that symbol represents all 11 parties."