No earthen roads to remain in Dinajpur-6: Zahid

Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain on Saturday said there will be no earthen roads in the four upazilas under the Dinajpur-6 constituency as part of the government’s nationwide development programme.
Development works, including paving all earthen roads, will be carried out gradually at different levels in the constituency, he said. The minister made the remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting at the Kushdah Union Parishad premises in Nawabganj upazila.
Speaking as the chief guest, he said that, in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directives, measures should be taken to bring all those who voted for the BNP in the last election under the party’s banner and membership.
To this end, he instructed BNP leaders and activists in every union to begin working immediately to recruit new members.
Zahid said granting party membership to supporters in this manner would be a way for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to acknowledge the love and support they demonstrated by voting for the BNP and helping it form the government.
He called upon grassroots BNP leaders and activists to implement the initiative through proper verification and selection.
The minister said the BNP government has completed seven months in office. As part of the government’s nationwide development programme, visible development work will be carried out across various sectors in the four upazilas of Dinajpur-6, including roads, educational institutions, mosques, temples, churches, graveyards and crematoriums, he said.
“We came to you seeking votes during the last national election. The promises we made to you at that time will be implemented in phases, Insha Allah,” he added.
Zahid emphasised that relying solely on law enforcement agencies is not enough to prevent drug abuse, saying every family must take responsibility for ensuring proper education for their children.
While the government will assist in developing children into capable citizens, parents must also remain vigilant to prevent their children from falling prey to drug abuse, he said.
He urged all to work together to eradicate drugs from society through collective social efforts.
Nawabganj Upazila BNP President Md Tariqul Islam, District BNP Vice-President Md Atiqur Rahman Raja, its General Secretary Md Iqbal Hossain, Upazila BNP Advisory Council member Md Manjurul Islam Fateh, and local BNP leaders Md Habibur Rahman and Md Ashraful Kabir were present, among others.