Gaibandha, Jan 24 (V7N) — Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said the northern region of Bangladesh has been gradually neglected, forcing many young people to migrate to the capital in search of employment.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Palashbari Pilot High School ground in Gaibandha as part of the campaign for the 13th National Parliament election.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat would focus on creating employment rather than providing unemployment allowances, emphasizing that young people should be able to earn their livelihoods with dignity.
“We will not give unemployment allowances; instead, we will create jobs so that the youth can stand on their own feet,” he said.

Referring to farmers’ issues, the Jamaat Ameer said that although Bangladesh is rich in agricultural production, farmers are deprived of fair prices due to extortion in markets.
“We will eliminate extortion and ensure fair prices for farmers,” he pledged.

On health and education, he said medical colleges would be established in phases, and healthcare facilities would be expanded through both public and private initiatives. He also promised to ensure an improved educational environment across the country.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further said that in building the future state, the dignity, rights and security of women, youth and children would be ensured, and women and youth would be actively involved in the workforce.

Highlighting regional development, he stressed the need for an agricultural university in North Bengal, stating that Gaibandha had been selected as a suitable location. He also mentioned plans for establishing export processing zones (EPZs), constructing tunnels at Balasi Ghat, and implementing river management projects, including the Fulchhari–Saghata area.

Addressing political issues, the Jamaat Ameer said his party would not tolerate hegemony from any neighboring country and called for unity to remove what he described as a “dark shadow” over the country. He urged voters to support the ‘Yes’ vote in the February 12 referendum, saying it was necessary to build a new Bangladesh and honor the sacrifices of the July martyrs.

“We want radical change. If the referendum succeeds, the general election will also be successful,” he said.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also said that if Jamaat forms the government, its first priority in North Bengal would be the revival of dead rivers, noting that once-navigable rivers in the region have now dried up due to long-standing neglect.

He criticized previous governments for what he described as years of indifference and mismanagement, adding that Jamaat seeks friendly relations with all civilized nations while safeguarding national sovereignty.

At the rally, the Jamaat Ameer handed over party symbols (scales) to Jamaat-nominated candidates for five parliamentary seats in Gaibandha district.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed in Pirganj, Rangpur, as part of the two-day election campaign of Jamaat-e-Islami and the 10-party alliance.

END/SMA/AJ