Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday pledged to restore the Teesta River, saying his party is committed to reviving its flow and safeguarding the livelihoods of those dependent on it.
“Teesta will be the economic hub of North Bengal,” he said while addressing an election rally at the Teesta Barrage helipad ground, jointly organized by the Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat district units of the party.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the river’s water would make the entire North Bengal fertile and prevent thousands of families from becoming destitute due to river erosion. “We promise to implement the Teesta plan at any cost, Inshallah,” he added.
Want to see peace in hill areas, says Jamaat Ameer
He emphasized that the party will prioritize national interests. “We will not hurt anyone’s interests, but we will not accept it if someone harms our interests first,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman also highlighted other development priorities, including modernizing the Burimari land port, and said, “Bangladesh’s development will start from the Teesta bank. The people of this region have been deprived for ages.”
He added that the party is committed to remaining with the people through good and difficult times.
Referring to the upcoming election, he said, “This election is to show a red card to those who have been dishonest with the nation. Politics is not business or extortion; it is the king’s policy. On February 13th, a new sun will rise in the eastern sky of Bangladesh. We want to build a new Bangladesh with everyone.”
He stressed the need for a change in power and said, “We will never leave the people of the country. We have announced that North Bengal will become the agricultural capital of the country. Employment in this region will drive national development, and crops produced here will meet domestic needs and be exported abroad, Inshallah.”
Ballot seals seized in Lakshmipur, Jamaat leader, another sued
Addressing women, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “Currently, mothers and sisters are being humiliated. We will give our lives if necessary, but we will not let anyone take away their honor. We view the 90 million women of this country as our mothers, and they will be educated, empowered, and able to contribute to building the nation safely and with dignity, Inshallah.”
On the referendum, he said, “Yes means freedom, and no means slavery. We all will cast 'Yes' vote on February 12, Inshallah, and encourage others to vote.”
The rally was presided over by Lalmonirhat district Jamaat Ameer Advocate Abu Taher and moderated by Nilphamari district Jamaat secretary Maulana Antazul Islam.
Special guests included Jamaat central assistant secretary Maulana Abdul Halim, Rangpur-Dinajpur region assistant director Principal Maulana Momtaz Uddin, team member Abdur Rashid, Nilphamari district Jamaat Ameer Principal Maulana Abdus Sattar, and leaders of the 11-party alliance in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts.