Photo -BSS

RANGPUR, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today said there is no alternative to implementing the Teesta Master Plan to ensure the river's health.

"If the Teesta is made healthy, the people of the northern region will be healthy. We want to keep our word. We do not want to talk about politics. We will reshape North Bengal. So, the Teesta Master Plan must be implemented," he said.

He added, "If the 10-party alliance comes to power in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election, we will first hit the Teesta with a spade and begin to eliminate the development disparity in North Bengal by implementing the Teesta Master Plan."

Dr. Shafiqur made the remarks as the chief guest at a rally of the 10-party electoral alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami, on the occasion of the referendum and the 13th JS elections at Rangpur Public Library ground on Friday night. 

Rangpur Metropolitan Jamaat President ATM Azam Khan presided over the event.

"We do not want to give false assurances. We do not want to give unemployment allowance. We do not want to build factories for the unemployed. Rather, we want to eliminate unemployment," Dr. Shafiqur said.

He added, "So we want to enhance skills of the unemployed youths and provide dignified work instead of unemployment allowance. We want to provide work to the deserving to eliminate unemployment permanently."

On women's participation, he said many are asking whether mothers and sisters will get opportunities in the workplace if the alliance is elected. "If mothers and sisters can function within the home, why can't they function in society?" he asked.

"Just as a home cannot function without women, society cannot function without women. Women of all races and religions will be given opportunities to work according to their skills," he added.

Dr. Shafiqur also said, "If we promise, we keep our word. We promised after August 5, we will not engage in litigation. We have not filed thousands of cases. We have not extorted money. We did not say, your name has been forgotten and mistakenly included in the case and you have to pay some fees to get it out. We do not want to put any innocent person in jail."

He emphasized that religion is a matter of inner emotion, not imposition, and reiterated his vision for the country, "Many people ask what Bangladesh will be like in the future. I want to say, we do not want to make our beloved country like Iran, Pakistan or Afghanistan. We want to build a Bangladesh of pride."

Dr. Shafiqur praised the people of Rangpur, noting, "The people of Rangpur are so good and gentle that they cannot even express their own demands well. That is why we cannot behave like step-brothers. Rangpur or the northern region is a grain storehouse. Therefore, agro-based factories will be built. We have to revolutionize the agricultural sector through modern technology."

"North Bengal will be the capital of the agricultural revolution. For this, agriculture-based universities will be established. Factories will be established. Foreign investment will be made. We do not want North Bengal to be deprived anymore," he said.

The Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer said that implementing the Teesta Master Plan would open many doors of development in North Bengal.

"We will, Allah willing, develop agro-based industries in various places. Fair price of the farmers' products will be ensured. Proper arrangements will be made for the preservation of the products," he said.

He noted that the fruits produced in North Bengal could be enjoyed by people across Bangladesh throughout the year, but due to the lack of proper storage, they often rot or are sold hastily. 

"We also want to bring our farmer brothers of North Bengal out of this pain," he added.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman highlighted that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has already demonstrated its administrative capability. "Our three brothers have served in three ministries. There are no complaints against them. They have served their duties honestly and efficiently," he said.

At the beginning of his speech, he emphasized national unity: "We do not want to divide the country and the nation anymore. Strengthen our hands by responding to the call for equality and unity. If we get the opportunity to serve the countrymen in the elections, we will say let's run the country together for the next five years."

He added, "However, in this case, three conditions must be met. We will not commit corruption, we will not give shelter to anyone for corruption, we must ensure justice for all and we must come out of corrupt politics."

"The countrymen are eager to build a country and society where fascism does not return and corruption does not flourish again. Especially the youth who shed their blood in the mass uprising are eager. We are committed to them, we are ready to continue the fight to fulfill their aspirations as long as it takes. This fight will not stop. This fight will be fulfilled only when the aspirations of the people and the youth are fulfilled," said the Jamaat chief.

During the rally, the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer introduced the candidates of the 10-party electoral alliance for the six parliamentary constituencies of Rangpur, urging voters to support them under the symbols of 'Scales' and 'Shapla Koli.'

Among those who addressed the rally were Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer and Rangpur-2 constituency candidate ATM Azharul Islam, Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member-Secretary and Rangpur-4 constituency candidate Akhter Hossen, Jamaat central member and Rangpur-3 constituency candidate Mahbubar Rahman Belal, Jamaat candidate for Rangpur-1 constituency Raihan Siraji, District Jamaat Ameer and Rangpur-5 constituency candidate Golam Rabbani and Chhatra Shibir Central Secretary General Sibgatullah Sigba, along with other party leaders.