Election 2008

<i>Firm development promise now only way to win Kurigram vote</i>

1 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Abdul Wahed, Kurigram

Development is now a buzzword ahead of the upcoming national election in Kurigram that failed to draw attention of previous governments. People, irrespective of party affiliations, have made development the main issue for candidates of all parties. Removal of Monga (job crisis during pre-harvest lean period) during September-October is the main issue of discussion as governments in the past did not take up any programme to create jobs. Reopening of Chilmari river port and Bango Sonahat land port are prime issued for candidates, according to political observers. Besides, voters will want promises for construction of a bridge on Teesta river at Bazra point and another on Dharla at Kula Ghat. Talking to this correspondent, many voters said monga could be easily removed by setting ups small and cottage industries. Other issues now being discussed are smooth power supply, development of bus and train communication, creating more facilities for higher education in the region. Many voters said better rail communication between Chilmari and Chittagong port could open up better prospects for the Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari. Some of the voters demanded opening of Masters courses in Kurigram Government College, setting up of an agriculture college and opening of a nursing training institute to create jobs for women. Mid-level political leaders and voters said there were two ministers from the reign during BNP and Jatiya Party governments, but no development was done. Before 1990, all the four Jatiya Sangsad seats in Kurigram were bagged by Jatiya Party (Ershed). Awami Legue (AL) won Kurigram-3 (Ulipur) seat in 1991. Freedom fighter Harun Ar Rashid Lal, executive director of Solidarity, an NGO, said Monga could be greatly reduced by opening Bango Sonahat land port, setting up small and cottage industries. Kurigram BSD (Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal) general secretary Emdadul Haque said the government could easily open centers to train unemployed people and send them abroad. Convener of the district JSD Jahedul Haque Milu said a special initiative should be taken for job creation and diversify agriculture. Convener of District Anti-Corruption Committee AKM Samiul Haque Nantu said, “I will expect a candidates to promise he will not be involved in corruption and take up development programmes for his area”. Commander of district Muktijoddha Sangsad Md. Sherajul Islam Tuku said people are now cautious and development of their areas will be the main issue for candidates. Convener of the Committee of Concerned Citizen (CCC) under TIB Enamul Haque Chowdhury Chad said a court should be set up at Raumari as the area is isolated from rest of the district by Brahmaputra.