Naogaon: Dr. Salek Chowdhury, a former three-time Member of Parliament and current independent candidate for the Naogaon-1 constituency, has unveiled a comprehensive election manifesto with a focus on agricultural development, anti-corruption measures, and social welfare.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Salek, who previously led BNP but is now running independently after failing to secure the party's nomination, faces competition from candidates representing BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, and Jatiya Party. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Salek outlined his vision for the region, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in the constituency.
Dr. Salek highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, such as conflicts over fertilizer and the scarcity of water in the Barind Upazilas of Sapahar, Porsha, and Niamatpur. He promised to address these issues by ensuring a fair price for paddy and arranging water supply through small pumps. Additionally, he pledged to complete the construction of major roads and revive the stalled Jaboi Beel project.
Dr. Salek also focused on social welfare, vowing to prevent the forcible occupation of ponds in Niamatpur Upazila and promote self-reliance through fish farming. He expressed concern over the rise of drug availability and committed to making the area drug-free if elected. Furthermore, he aims to improve financial development and education quality for the region's youth.
Regarding the electoral process, Dr. Salek assured that his campaign would strictly adhere to the election code of conduct. On the topic of the 'July Charter' referendum, he urged a 'Yes' vote in the nation's interest. Confident about his electoral prospects, Dr. Salek emphasized his past integrity and support from ethnic minority voters, a key demographic in Naogaon-1.
Naogaon-1, bordering India, comprises the Sapahar, Porsha, and Niamatpur upazilas. The constituency has 456,169 registered voters, including 235,380 men, 238,683 women, and four third-gender voters. Prominent contenders in the upcoming election include BNP nominee Mostafizur Rahman, independent Dr. Salek Chowdhury, Abdul Haque Shah of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Akbar Ali of Jatiya Party.