Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Dhaka-16, Col. (Retd.) Abdul Baten, has pledged to prioritize medical services for the residents of his constituency if his party is elected to power. ‘I will establish a government hospital here so that people can get treatment at a low cost,’ he stated in an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the state-run national news agency.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Dhaka-16 constituency, which includes Pallabi and Rupnagar police stations under the Dhaka North City Corporation, comprises 400,499 voters-201,168 male, 199,323 female, and eight from the transgender (hijra) community. Col. Baten pointed out that the area is primarily inhabited by lower and middle-class citizens, who face significant issues such as illegal drugs, extortion, encroachment, and terrorism. These problems, he alleged, persist due to the ruling party’s patronage.
Col. Baten assured that if given the opportunity, these issues could be resolved and promised infrastructure development, including road improvements. He emphasized that voters desire a departure from one-party rule, positioning Jamaat-e-Islami as the viable alternative.
The Jamaat leader referenced past support for the party, noting the significance of August 5 when people aligned with Jamaat. He asserted that voters are determined not to support candidates with histories of extortion. Col. Baten highlighted his party’s adherence to the election code of conduct, indicating they have already lodged complaints with the Election Commission regarding violations by opponents.
He also discussed a referendum campaign, advocating for constitutional amendments to promote a society free from discrimination and a balanced distribution of power between the Prime Minister and President. He criticized the repetition of leadership from the same family and called for new leadership from grassroots levels.
Col. Baten expressed optimism about Jamaat’s prospects in the upcoming elections, contingent on the polls being conducted freely and fairly. The candidate roster for Dhaka-16 includes representatives from multiple parties, with Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdul Baten among them.