NCP Convener and Chief Whip of the opposition Nahid Islam on Thursday claimed that Prime Minister’s visit to China over the Teesta master plan failed to produce any significant outcome.
He also alleged that the northern region has been deprived of development initiatives and budgetary allocations despite having substantial representation in parliament.
Nahid made the remarks while addressing a farmers’ rally organised as part of the “July awakening to build the country” programme at Tograihat High School ground in Kurigram Sadar.
“Most opposition MPs are from the northern region. Yet, development allocations for this area have been reduced in a planned manner. No major development projects have been undertaken in Rangpur and Kurigram. We are still seeing the same discrimination,” he said.
Referring to the Teesta master plan, he said, “The prime minister visited China with the plan, but could not bring back any achievement.”
The NCP leader accused the government of failing to address regional and economic disparities in the north.
“The people of the northern region sacrificed their lives during the July uprising. Abu Sayeed, a son of this region, gave his life standing with his arms spread. The people voted for change. We will ensure their voting rights and economic rights. This is our commitment,” he said.
Farmers losing interest in agriculture
Highlighting the contribution of farmers’ families to the July uprising, Nahid said many participants in the movement came from farming backgrounds, including martyr Abu Sayeed.
He said farmers continue to face difficulties as they often fail to receive fair prices for their produce despite rising production costs.
“Prices of everything have increased, while various syndicates are affecting farmers. Even the new government has failed to ensure fair prices for agricultural products. Farmers are now losing interest in agriculture and leaving the profession,” he said.
Criticising the government’s Farmer Card initiative, Nahid said such measures alone cannot resolve the sector’s longstanding problems.
“We are not against Farmer Cards, but farmers’ rights cannot be ensured through a card providing only financial assistance. It will not solve issues related to irrigation, seeds or pesticides,” he said.
‘Agriculture vital for economy’
Nahid said strengthening agriculture was essential for building a strong economy and warned against attempts to weaken the country’s farming sector.
“Destroying agriculture means damaging Bangladesh’s economy. There is no alternative to agriculture if we want to build a stronger economy. We have to modernise agriculture and ensure farmers’ rights and dignity,” he said.
He said the Jatiya Krishi Shakti was being launched with the aim of working for farmers’ welfare and making them a key force in the country’s development.
At the event, a partial Kurigram district committee of the Jatiya Krishi Shakti was announced, naming Sayeed Ujjwal as convener and agriculturalist Golam Mortuza Selim as member secretary.
The rally was chaired by Atikur Rahman Mujahid, NCP joint convener, Rangpur divisional organising secretary and lawmaker from Kurigram-2 constituency.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain attended the programme as the chief speaker, while Kurigram district NCP Convener Mukul Mia and leaders and activists of the party and its affiliated organisations, including Jatiya Jubo Shakti, from the district and upazila levels were also present.
Around 10,000 grassroots farmers participated in the rally, according to the organisers.
