Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said that he would create a new administrative division in Noakhali and set up a city corporation there if the Jamaat-led alliance wins power.
He made the comments at an election rally of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance at the Noakhali Zila School grounds on Friday saying the promises would be carried out in phases under what he called “insaf” (justice). He described the proposals as part of a broader plan for the coastal district, with priorities including environmental protection and improved transport links.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman said his plan would focus on erosion control in areas such as Hatiya, Companiganj and Subarnachar. He also spoke of building river closures on the Companiganj and Choto Feni rivers and extending rail connectivity from Sonapur to Chairman Ghat in Hatiya to make travel easier across the region.
During the speech, he referred to a reported incident in Subarnachar involving a woman who was allegedly abused in a previous election after voting for the “Sheaf of Paddy”, the electoral symbol of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He said he would establish a municipality in Subarnachar, describing it as recognition of her courage.
On jobs and youth engagement, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the alliance was not aiming to rely only on unemployment allowances, arguing instead for a political culture led by younger people. He pointed out that many of the alliance’s candidates are under 45.
He also promised what he called a corruption-free administration and proposed a revised pay commission for government employees, saying better wages would reduce incentives for bribery. He warned that corruption and extortion would be met with strict action if the alliance formed a government.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman has led Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as its ameer since 2019. Trained as a medical professional, he has also spent decades in organisational and political work. He became involved with Jamaat-e-Islami in the mid-1980s and gradually advanced through the party’s leadership, after earlier experience in student politics. Before assuming the top post, he served in senior roles within the party, including as secretary-general.
The rally was chaired by Noakhali District Jamaat Ameer and Noakhali-4 candidate Md Isaaq Khandakar. Candidates were introduced for Noakhali constituencies during the programme, and electoral symbols were distributed. Several senior figures attended, including Jamaat Central Assistant Secretary General ATM Masum, Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah, and former Ducsu vice-president Abu Shadik Kayem, alongside other local and central leaders.
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