Dr Shafiq calls for fundamental change, urges 'Yes' vote

GAIBANDHA, BOGURA, JAN 24: Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday called for a "fundamental transformation" of the state, urging citizens to vote "Yes" in the February 12 referendum to pave the way for a fair general election.

Addressing public rallies in Gaibandha, Pabna and Sirajganj, Jamaat Ameer described the current system as a "fascist system" built over 54 years and stressed that the nation must move toward justice, accountability, and development.

"The July martyrs dreamed of a Bangladesh free from domination, corruption, and injustice-a nation built on fairness, accountability, and development," he said. "No shadow of vultures should fall on our soil in the future." Dr Shafiq positioned himself as a voice for those oppressed over the past 15 years, including orphaned children, workers deprived of rights, and citizens subjected to repression.

He criticized past governments for neglecting North Bengal, claiming long-standing indifference and mismanagement had pushed the region toward destruction. "If we are able to form a government with the prayers, love, and votes of the people of North Bengal and the entire country, our first focus will be reviving the dead rivers of the region," he said.

Dr Shafiq said his party aims to transform North Bengal into an agriculture-based capital, emphasizing that Bangladesh seeks friendship with all civilized nations but will not tolerate interference or domination within its 56,000 square miles. He also alleged that citizens' voting rights had been suppressed in the past, noting that many young voters had never cast a ballot in their lifetime.

"The rotten system that produces killers, extortionists, land grabbers, and criminals must be changed," he said. "The people will vote Yes to bring that change." Highlighting North Bengal as the country's granary, he claimed the region had been "slowly destroyed" and that farmers were deprived of fair prices due to extortionists and middlemen. He pledged to eradicate extortion while ensuring dignified livelihoods, so no one would be forced into crime out of desperation.

On employment and youth development, Dr Shafiq said his government would create local job opportunities, reducing migration to Dhaka. "We will equip young men and women with skills through education and make North Bengal industrially prosperous," he said.

He also announced plans to establish medical colleges in all districts in phases and to build specialized hospitals through both public and private initiatives. Currently, only 15 districts have medical colleges, he noted.