Panchagarh: Islami Andolan Bangladesh nominated candidate Md Kamrul Hasan Pradhan has pledged to address long-standing development deprivation in Panchagarh-2, focusing on job creation, improved communication infrastructure, and reforms in the education and healthcare sectors, while also outlining his stance on the proposed July Charter-related referendum.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Md Kamrul Hasan Pradhan outlined his development plans while responding to queries in an exclusive interview. The interview was conducted by Md Abu Naim, Panchagarh district correspondent of BSS, where Pradhan emphasized that the healthcare sector in the area is in a deplorable condition and his foremost priority, if elected, would be to improve healthcare services. He stressed the lack of advanced medical facilities, which forces patients to travel to divisional cities even for minor ailments, often resulting in critical situations before patients can access proper treatment.
Pradhan highlighted the significant unemployment issue in the region, noting the presence of government-owned land in Debiganj where an Export Processing Zone was proposed but never implemented. He promised to pursue its implementation to create employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people. Beyond employment, he has comprehensive development plans, including improvements in education and other key sectors.
Concerning the election code of conduct, Pradhan assured that his organization, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, is disciplined and committed to following the guidelines set by the office of the Returning Officer. He stated that leaders and activists have been instructed to adhere strictly to these guidelines.
Pradhan expressed support for the implementation of the July Charter, advocating for a ‘Yes’ vote in the related referendum, reflecting the organizational directive from the central leadership of Islami Andolan Bangladesh. He also expressed his hope for a free, fair, and impartial upcoming national parliamentary election, anticipating a favorable outcome for Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s ‘Hat Pakha’ symbol.
With the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, election activities have intensified in the Panchagarh-2 constituency, which comprises Boda and Debiganj upazilas. Voting will be held at 132 polling stations across 20 unions, with a total of 4,13,265 voters, including 2,07,367 male voters, 2,05,895 female voters, and three voters identifying as third gender.
Initially, six candidates were declared valid for the constituency. However, following court directives and the final day for withdrawal of candidacy, the number of candidates has increased to eight. The contesting candidates in Panchagarh-2 include BNP-nominated candidate and Central Committee Rural Development Affairs Secretary Farhad Hossain Azad, Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Md Kamrul Hasan Pradhan, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Safiul Alam alias Safiullah Sufi, among others.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha