Kamrul Hasan: S.A. Jinnah Kabir, member of the BNP’s Central Executive Committee, former General Secretary of Manikganj District BNP, senior member of the District BNP Convening Committee, and the BNP candidate aspirant for Manikganj-1 constituency, has said that if the BNP comes to power, the party will ensure sustainable river management in the erosion-affected areas along the Padma and Jamuna rivers and transform the country’s vast char (river island) regions into international industrial zones. He stated that this transformation would bring revolutionary changes to the livelihoods, communication, and living standards of millions of people in those regions. He made these remarks on Tuesday evening while addressing a campaign rally at the Anwaypur Government Primary School ground in Shibalaya upazila of Manikganj. The event was organized as part of the nationwide campaign to promote BNP Acting Chairman and Deshnayak Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan for restructuring the state. The program included leaflet distribution, mass communication, and street rallies organized jointly by wards 4, 5, and 6 of the Shibalaya Union BNP and its associated wings. The meeting was presided over by Union BNP President Sirajul Islam. Among others present were District Jubo Dal Convener Kazi Mostaq Hossain Dipu, District Krishak Dal Senior Vice-President Md. Masudur Rahman Masud, Upazila BNP President Rahmat Ali Lablue, General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Mizan, Organizing Secretary Md. Nasir Uddin, Ghior Upazila BNP President Mir Manikuzzaman Manik, Daulatpur Upazila BNP General Secretary Anisur Rahman, Shibalaya Upazila Jubo Dal Convener Mohammad Hossain Ali, and District Swechchhasebak Dal Senior Joint Convener Kazi Nadim Hossain Twel, along with numerous local BNP leaders, activists, and supporters. S.A. Jinnah Kabir said, > “It was due to the visionary leadership and courageous initiatives of Deshnayak Tarique Rahman that the autocratic regime collapsed under the pressure of the united movement of the BNP, students, and the people. Our current mission is to build a new Bangladesh free from fascism—where democracy, justice, and the right to development will be guaranteed.” He further said, > “The people of Bangladesh have been waiting for change for the last 17 years. The interim government has decided to hold the national election in the first half of February, and it must not be obstructed. The anti-independence and anti-democratic forces are conspiring to delay the election. Therefore, a united public opinion is essential to resist such evil designs.” Jinnah Kabir urged BNP leaders and activists to play an active and organized role in ensuring the victory of the sheaf of paddy, the party’s electoral symbol. He also emphasized the crucial role of women in politics and the electoral process. At the end of the meeting, he sought prayers for the good health and long life of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and for the recovery and well-being of Acting Chairman Deshnayak Tarique Rahman.