Panchagarh: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominated candidate for Panchagarh-2 constituency Farhad Hossain Azad has said he would give top priority to the development of the health sector if elected in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election slated for February 12.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farhad, also the BNP central committee's secretary for rural development affairs, highlighted the long-standing deprivation of proper development in Panchagarh-2, particularly in healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. In an exclusive interview, he detailed his plans and expectations for the forthcoming national election, emphasizing the dire state of healthcare services in the constituency. He pointed out that Debiganj Upazila Health Complex is severely understaffed, with only five doctors serving against a sanctioned strength of 34, while Boda Upazila Health Complex has only six doctors instead of the required 32.
Farhad outlined his commitment to addressing this healthcare crisis, mentioning that his party chairman Tarique Rahman has announced plans for a primary healthcare centre for every 10,000 people. Additionally, he expressed his intent to tackle unemployment, create job opportunities for educated youths, resolve fertiliser shortages, and develop infrastructure, including making the Boda-Debiganj highway risk-free and establishing an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) on khas land in Debiganj.
Furthermore, to combat drug abuse among youths, Farhad plans to appoint sports teachers from class four and initiate the development of professional footballers and cricketers. He also aims to incorporate technical education from class seven.
In terms of electoral conduct, Farhad assured that his party is adhering to the election code of conduct, following instructions from the Deputy Commissioner. This includes removing all banners, festoons, and billboards, and halting the distribution of colourful posters and leaflets.
Farhad also shared his stance on the referendum on the July Charter, indicating that they would vote 'Yes' as directed by the party chairman. He expressed his hopes for a free, fair, and neutral election, stressing the importance of voters being able to cast their votes without fear or intimidation.
With the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, election activities have picked up pace in the Panchagarh-2 constituency, which comprises Boda and Debiganj upazilas. Voting will take place in 132 polling stations across 20 unions, with a total voter count of 4,13,265, including 2,07,367 male voters, 2,05,895 female voters, and three identifying as third gender.
Initially, six candidates were declared valid for the constituency, but following court directives and the final withdrawal of candidacy, the number of candidates has increased to eight. Contestants include BNP-nominated Farhad Hossain Azad, Islami Andolan Bangladesh's Md Kamrul Hasan Pradhan, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Md Safiul Alam alias Safiullah Sufi, among others. Farhad has emerged as a key focus of discussion on the campaign trail.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha