The Teesta will become the economic hub of the northern region. We pledge to implement the Teesta Mega Plan at any cost: Shafiqur Rahman.

ছবিঃ সিএনআই

Lalmonirhat Correspondent: Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the burial of opportunistic politics has begun. He stated that this election is meant to show a red card to those who have betrayed the nation over the 54 years since independence. “Enough is enough—now step away from politics. Politics is not a business, not extortion, not looting, not corruption, and politics is not about laying hands on my mother,” he said.
He made these remarks on Wednesday (4 February) while speaking as the chief guest at a Jamaat-organized election rally held at the Teesta Barrage Helipad ground in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that one cannot engage in corruption and politics at the same time. “Politics itself is sovereignty. Those who are corrupt are drunkards, thieves, and looters. They have siphoned off 2.8 trillion taka abroad. If Allah gives us the opportunity, by your love and affection we promise—we will pull every penny back out of their mouths,” he said.

Addressing the youth, he said, “We want to build a Bangladesh vibrant with youth and vitality. Young men, are you ready? Insha’Allah, we will hand over the Bangladesh of tomorrow to you. We do not want to humiliate you by offering unemployment allowances. We will educate and train you to become engineers, architects, and skilled technicians, and then hand over Bangladesh to you. We will seat you in the pilot’s seat—you will move forward, and we will sit behind as passengers, praying for you.”

Speaking about the Teesta River, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said it should have been a symbol of development for the region, but today the name Teesta represents an ocean of sorrow. “The Teesta will become the economic hub of the northern region. We pledge to implement the Teesta Mega Plan at any cost. We will not tolerate anyone’s hostile glare. My country comes first; the interests of the people come first,” he said.

Regarding local demands, the Jamaat Ameer said the region has many justified demands, including modernization of the Burimari land port and upgrading highways to four lanes. “Looking at this road, it feels like a sea rather than a road. Sick patients lose their lives here. Why? Is the northern region a stepchild, to be neglected and disregarded? Development will begin with the north,” he said.

Addressing the BNP, he added, “The people of this country have seen enough of you. Give us a chance this time. We are not seasonal cuckoos—we are present in sorrow, in danger, and in happiness. We will not flee the country; we have clung to this soil and will continue to do so. We take shelter in the hearts of the people.”

Delivering a message of development, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “We have declared that we will make North Bengal the capital of agro-industry. This will create employment and benefit the entire country. After meeting domestic demand, foreign currency will be earned. We want to industrially enrich the entire region. Pray for us, so that if Allah gives us the opportunity to serve the country, we do not forget you and can hold you firmly in our hearts.”
Regarding non-Muslims, he said, “We want to embrace our brothers of other faiths with affection. We will cultivate a garden with people of all religions. The judiciary will not look at who is an ordinary citizen and who is the president—it will not judge by faces. Those who have oppressed people throughout their lives are now afraid. There is nothing to fear—the same justice will apply to you and to us.”

Addressing government officials and employees, he said that the salaries and honorariums they receive are insufficient to live on, and that the state itself has created opportunities for corruption. “First, dignity must be ensured and people must be allowed to live with honor. Then, if there is corruption, it should be punished. We want to ensure dignity first,” he said.

Addressing women, the Jamaat Ameer said, “If necessary, we will give our lives to ensure that no one can take away the honor of mothers. The 90 million women of this country are our mothers. We want to place them in positions of respect. They will also participate in nation-building and fulfill professional responsibilities. Their workplaces will be safe, and they will work with dignity. We will ensure this for women, Insha’Allah.” He called for votes in favor of the Scales symbol to build a new Bangladesh.

The rally was presided over by Lalmonirhat District Jamaat Ameer Advocate Abu Taher. Candidates of the 12-party alliance from seven parliamentary constituencies of Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts, along with central leaders, also addressed the gathering.