Jamaat ameer pledges diplomatic solution to Feni embankment issue

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday assured residents of Feni that the controversial embankment causing public concern has not yet been constructed and said the issue would be resolved through dialogue with neighbouring India.

“Since this embankment has caused you distress, I want to assure you that it has not been built yet,” he said. “We will find a solution through meaningful discussions with neighbouring India, InshaAllah. I have the right and responsibility to protect my country, and I cannot ignore that duty.”

Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing a public rally at the Pilot School ground in Feni town on Friday.

Addressing the youth, the Jamaat ameer said his party does not believe in offering unemployment allowances, which he described as humiliating. Instead, he promised employment opportunities with dignity.

“We do not want to insult you by handing out unemployment allowances,” he said. “We want to turn every hand into a builder of the nation. We want to give you work with honour. That day, every young man and woman will stand proudly and say, ‘I am Bangladesh. This country is mine, and I will build it.’ ”

He added, “Whatever this country gives me, Alhamdulillah. But I will give everything I have to this country.”

Responding to criticism that Jamaat would restrict women’s mobility if it comes to power, Shafiqur dismissed such claims.

“We have wives, daughters, and sisters. Don’t they go outside? Don’t they participate in serving the country?” he asked. “All mothers and sisters of the country will be supported and encouraged to take part in national service.”

At the rally, the Jamaat ameer also pledged to establish a government medical college in Feni, stating that no district in Bangladesh should be deprived of such a facility.

“We declare that in a country of 180 million people, no district will be without a government medical college,” he said. “If Allah gives us the opportunity to serve the people, Feni will receive what it deserves and be proud.”

Highlighting the lack of adequate sports infrastructure, he said Feni does not currently have a quality stadium, despite its significant contribution to the national economy.

“A large number of people from Feni work abroad and contribute to the economy,” he said. “The people of Feni will get their due. The Feni Stadium will be developed into a modern, international-standard venue, InshaAllah.”

Remembering former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Shafiqur said she remained committed to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

“I respectfully remember former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia,” he said. “She was committed to the country’s independence and sovereignty and did not accommodate hegemony. For that, we thank and salute her from the depths of our hearts.”

Calling for unity, he urged people to stand together against authoritarianism, corruption, extortion, politically motivated cases, violence against women, and to build a Bangladesh that meets the aspirations of the youth.

“To those who are committed to building such a Bangladesh, we have handed over our symbol in all 300 seats,” he said. “This symbol stands for protecting independence, safeguarding sovereignty, and moving the country forward.”

He added that the upcoming vote would be decisive, saying, “Yes means freedom, no means slavery. The second vote will be for protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.”