Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday pledged to implement the long-awaited Teesta Mega Plan, vowing to transform agriculture and the economy of northern Bangladesh if his party comes to power.
Addressing a massive election rally at the Teesta helipad ground at Hatibandha upazila's Dalia area in Lalmonirhat, he protested decades of neglect of the northern region, saying Rangpur division had long been treated like a “stepchild.”
He promised that Jamaat would begin its national development drive from the country’s most deprived areas, with the Teesta project as a cornerstone initiative.
“The Teesta Mega Plan will change the face of agriculture and the overall economy of this region,” he said, assuring farmers of sustainable irrigation, water management, and economic opportunities.
Referring to the February 12 national election, Dr Shafiqur described it as a decisive moment to “show a red card to corruption,” saying it was not an ordinary vote but a verdict against 54 years of misrule and deception. He pledged zero tolerance for corruption, declaring that Jamaat would take uncompromising action against corrupt practices.
He launched sharp criticism against both Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party, suggesting that they should take a political “break” after decades in power and allow Jamaat to serve the nation.
He also reaffirmed commitments to protecting women’s dignity, empowering youth leadership, and building a just, welfare-oriented society based on fairness and accountability.
Calling on voters to support Jamaat in the upcoming election and referendum, he urged them to vote “yes” for justice-based governance and systemic reform.
Despite severe winter cold and dense fog, thousands of supporters began arriving at the rally site from early morning, travelling by buses, trucks, and boats. The gathering swelled into a massive crowd as Dr Shafiqur arrived by helicopter at around 1:35 pm, drawing thunderous cheers.
Earlier in the day, he addressed another large election rally at Kurigram Government College ground, where he reiterated his vision of a corruption-free, discrimination-free Bangladesh.
