Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said Kurigram, which he described as the most deprived district in Bangladesh, would be transformed into the capital of North Bengal.
He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at the Kurigram Government College field, where he outlined a plan to develop the northern region as the capital of the agricultural industry.
Shafiqur Rahman said an agricultural revolution in the area would ensure employment for all citizens and help drive national progress from the grassroots.
Referring to the political landscape, he said Jamaat-e-Islami, despite being the largest party within the 11-party alliance, does not seek to establish a party-led, family-centric or group-based government.
He said feudal or “zamindari” systems would no longer be allowed, adding that the party aims for a victory that benefits all 18 crore people of the country.
Reflecting on the July movement, the Jamaat chief said its spirit would continue to guide their political journey.
He paid tribute to the role of women during the protests, recalling the courage of a young woman who stood before cannons and declared that she had chosen freedom, even at the cost of her life.
Shafiqur Rahman also criticised a political party and what he described as its “leashed forces” for attacking women during the movement, saying the bravery of the victims gave strength to carry the uprising forward.
