Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-1 Barrister Nazrul Islam. Photo: Collected

By Mohiuddin M. Mahi

DHAKA, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-1 Barrister Nazrul Islam has vowed comprehensive development, pledging infrastructure upgrades, expansion of healthcare and education, skill training for expatriate workers, and people-focused inclusive governance if elected to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. 

In an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Nazrul Islam said despite being located close to the capital, Dohar and Nawabganj areas remain severely neglected, particularly in terms of road connectivity and basic infrastructure.

“Roads, bridges and culverts in Nawabganj are in a very dilapidated condition. Many areas still have muddy roads. Even a slight rainfall creates severe water-logging, and complaints come from almost every locality,” he said, adding that infrastructure development would be given as a top priority with effective and sustainable interventions.

Highlighting the large expatriate population from the constituency, Nazrul Islam said a comprehensive welfare mechanism would be introduced for migrant workers living in the Middle East and other countries.

“We’ll ensure 24-hour service for expatriate workers and their family members initially. Union-based expatriate welfare booths will be established, and a dedicated ‘Expatriate Assistance Cell’ will be formed to protect the interests, properties and families of those living abroad,” he said.

He also emphasized skill development for prospective migrant workers. “Most of our youths go abroad with odd jobs. This can change drastically if we provide demand-driven training and proper skills. We will activate existing expatriate welfare projects, establish training centres and ensure youths migrate with expertise and dignity,” he added.

On education, Nazrul Islam expressed deep concern over the deteriorating quality of institutions in Dhaka-1. “Despite being close to Dhaka, students from this area struggle to secure admission to reputed universities. The education system is in poor shape,” he added.

He stressed the need for rapid improvement in institutional standards, teacher training and resource-rich classrooms. “Regular career training, career sessions and higher education preparation will be ensured. I myself am a career trainer, and I want students to move forward with a clear mission and vision,” he said, adding that coaching and training support would also be arranged for students aspiring to study abroad.

Addressing healthcare challenges, Nazrul Islam identified the lack of quality medical facilities as a fundamental problem. “There is no good hospital in Dohar-Nawabganj. Two government hospitals exist, but they suffer from bed shortages, lack of specialist doctors, poor management and inadequate medicine supply,” he said.
He proposed upgrading one hospital to a 100-bed facility and another from 50 beds to 250 beds, alongside efforts to bring branches of reputed private hospitals to the area.

Nazrul Islam also identified unemployment and drug addiction as major social crises. “Due to joblessness and lack of proper direction, many youths are becoming addicted to drugs. Drug availability is alarmingly easy,” he said, calling for strict administrative action and a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.

Regarding election conduct, he said his campaign is adhering to the electoral code of conduct, though violations by opponents are visible. “We are following the rules, but many are not. The administration is not acting as expected, and enforcement appears one-sided,” he alleged.

On campaigning, Nazrul Islam said votes are being sought both for the electoral symbol and for the referendum. “When we ask for votes for ‘Daripalla’ (Scales) symbol, we are also appealing for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum to move Bangladesh towards a permanent and stable future,” he said.

Expressing strong optimism, Nazrul Islam said public response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Alhamdulillah, we are 100 percent hopeful of victory. People want change after witnessing the governance of the last 54 years. The response we are getting from the field gives us full confidence,” he added.