People suffering from gas, power and water crises: Jamaat Ameer 

Sadik Mamun, Cumilla

Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, said that people in Cumilla and across the country are suffering from crises in gas, electricity, and water supply. He said they have taken to the streets to help solve this problem for the people. He noted that the demand for a separate Cumilla Division was raised back in 1994, but it has still not been implemented. Addressing the government, he said it should take the initiative to implement Cumilla Division, and if any neighboring district also has such a demand, that should be granted as well. He urged the government to begin the administrative process and implement it quickly.

He made these remarks on Saturday (5 September) around 12:30 PM while speaking as chief guest at a street rally at Biswaroad in Paduar Bazar area on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Cumilla, held while the 11-party alliance’s Dhaka-Chattogram long march was passing through.

Speaking at the rally, which was presided over by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Working Committee member and Cumilla City Ameer Mr. Kazi Deen Mohammad, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further said that the government had made many promises before the election but failed to keep them, engaging in deception instead. He said extortion, criminal activity, and corruption still persist in Cumilla, and that the Home Minister has paid no attention to this.

He further said the country has become flooded with drugs, and that the Home Minister has been unable to stop drug shipments even in his own district and home area, adding that the country’s youth are being destroyed. He called for saving the youth and saving the country. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said he is hopeful that the people will be victorious, that the July Charter will be implemented, and that, God willing, all their demands will be achieved in building a Bangladesh free of fascism. He said the people are with them and that they will reach their destination.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP Convenor Mr. Nahid Islam MP said the long march has received an unprecedented response, with people expressing their sentiments. He said the government has failed to run the country over the past 180 days and has been unable to implement any of its promises.

LDP President Colonel (Retd.) Mr. Oli Ahmed, Bir Bikrom, said the country has turned into hell, overrun by extortion and murder. Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mr. Mia Golam Parwar said that if the government disregards the verdict of the people, the people will reject the government, and that the people will compel the government to implement the results of the referendum.