Chandpur: Md. Jalal Uddin, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Chandpur-2 constituency in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, has pledged to improve standards of education and restore a healthy social environment if he gets people's mandate. He made this commitment in an exclusive interview with BSS Chandpur district correspondent Abdus Salam Azad Jewel ahead of the election.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jalal Uddin emphasized the need for freeing Matlab from drugs, terrorism, and extortion as a primary goal for restoring education and the social environment. He also promised to reduce the distance between Matlab and Dhaka by advocating for the speedy implementation of the proposed hanging Gazaria Bridge, which would make Matlab only one and a half hours away from Dhaka. Additionally, he plans to support the development of an alternative Dhaka-Chattogram highway via Matlab, potentially transforming the area into an industrial and tourism hub.
Jalal Uddin outlined plans to address shortages of electricity, water, and gas, create employment opportunities for women, and ensure social and economic security. He also intends to establish a university and medical college, alongside a 500-bed modern hospital, to enhance education and healthcare facilities.
Surrounded by rivers, Jalal Uddin envisions developing a tourism industry in the area. He plans to set up more industries along the embankment and to widen it, creating more employment opportunities. Additional initiatives include government stipends for imams, muezzins, and religious leaders of other faiths, establishing old-age homes, providing agricultural cards to farmers, family cards for financial security to women, and ensuring social protection for minorities.
In line with the 31-point program announced by party chairman Tarique Rahman, Jalal Uddin aims to provide comprehensive facilities for the constituency. He assured that his leaders and activists are working in compliance with the electoral code of conduct and will continue to do so until the election.
Regarding the July Charter referendum, Jalal Uddin stated that he would implement the party's decisions and stand by the choice of his constituents. He expressed hope for a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful election, expecting a festive atmosphere where everyone can cast their votes.
The Chandpur-2 (Matlab North-South) constituency will witness a contest among eight candidates, including those from various political parties. The constituency comprises 492,381 voters, with 248,777 male voters, 243,602 female voters, and two voters from the third-gender community, spread across 155 polling centers and 919 polling booths.