Addressing a public rally, organised by the 10-party electoral alliance ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, Shafiqur Rahman said Dinajpur has been deprived despite its historic status.

Dr Rahman said several municipalities across the country have been upgraded to city corporations, but Dinajpur, despite being one of the oldest municipalities, has been overlooked. “I am telling you with full responsibility—if Jamaat-e-Islami forms the government, Dinajpur will be made a city corporation,” he said.

The rally was held at the helipad ground in front of the Superintendent of Police’s office, adjacent to the southern section of Gor-e-Shahid Boro Maidan, at around 3:15pm.

Highlighting regional disparities, the Jamaat chief said many districts enjoy gas facilities, but Dinajpur remains excluded. He noted that coal reserves have been discovered in the region, which increases the possibility of gas availability, yet no proper scientific survey has been conducted in the past.

He criticised successive governments for neglecting northern Bangladesh, particularly in infrastructure and energy development.

Focusing on agriculture, Dr Rahman said farmers in the region continue to rely on backbreaking manual labour while farmers in many countries adopted modern agricultural machinery within 25 years of independence. Despite producing crops through hard work, farmers often fail to receive fair prices, he added.

He promised that a Jamaat-led government would establish storage and processing facilities for agricultural products such as mangoes, lychees, and tomatoes.

According to him, the establishment of city corporations and agro-processing industries would help farmers to sell their produce at the right time, ensure fair prices, create employment, and transform the northern region into the country’s agricultural hub.

Referring to corruption and extortion, Dr Rahman said Dinajpur is often perceived as free from extortion, but acknowledged public responses at the rally indicating otherwise. He said even footpath vendors face extortion, calling it a matter of national shame.

“We do not engage in extortion, we will not engage in extortion, and we will not allow anyone else to do so,” he said, adding that Jamaat leaders have faced trouble precisely because they oppose corruption.

Addressing rumours about women’s rights, the Jamaat Ameer rejected claims that women would be confined to their homes if his party comes to power. He said women are currently unsafe at home, on the streets, and in workplaces, and pledged to ensure women’s safety in all spheres of life under a Jamaat-led government.

He cited examples of women’s participation and electoral success in student union elections at Dhaka University and other institutions, noting that students trusted female leaders as safer representatives. He also claimed that Dhaka University has been free from extortion, drugs, and violence for the past six months.

On voting rights, Dr Rahman said the era of manipulated elections is over. “The time of saying ‘I will cast my vote and yours as well’ is finished. If anyone tries to cast my vote this time, they will not be spared,” he said, urging voters to exercise their franchise freely and without fear.

Outlining Jamaat’s broader vision, Dr Rahman said his party aims to build a people-oriented and welfare-based Bangladesh rather than making hollow promises.

He pledged that if Jamaat forms the government, medical colleges and hospitals will be established in every district. He also promised to upgrade Dinajpur Medical College Hospital to a 1,000-bed facility and, if necessary, convert it into a specialised hospital. He added that quality educational institutions would be set up nationwide.

He further announced plans to ensure free healthcare for children aged zero to five and free medical services for senior citizens aged 60 to 65. For those unable to bear medical expenses, the state would take responsibility, he said, adding that these services would be funded through public taxes and revenues.

Calling for change, Dr Rahman urged voters to support reform through the ballot. He warned against violence, chaos, irregularities, and vote manipulation, saying no one would be spared if such acts occur. He noted that people had been deprived of their voting rights in recent elections, and that years of movement and sacrifice were made to restore the right to vote.