Md. Sulaiman, Bhola
Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Andaleeb Rahman Partha has alleged that the previous Awami League government crippled the country’s economy during its 17-year rule.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a mass reception at Notun Bazar Chattar in Bhola town on Wednesday (September 2).
“The economy has been left in such a state that the country is now facing difficulties with gas and electricity supplies. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken charge of the country at the most difficult time in its history. We now have to work together to bring the country back on its feet,” he said.
Bhola-Barishal bridge
Speaking about the long-standing demand for the Bhola-Barishal bridge, Partha said the bridge is a demand of every resident of Bhola. People of the district have participated in various movements demanding its construction, he said, adding that they had also campaigned for the project.
“The government is looking into the matter,” he said.
Partha said an alternative route to Dhaka was also being considered.
“If a direct road connection to Dhaka is developed through Hizla-Muladi and Shariatpur, it may reduce travel time by around 40 minutes. The government is also considering this option,” he said.
Urging people not to create confusion over the bridge issue, the minister said everyone wanted development for Bhola.
“Please do not mislead or divide the people of Bhola. Whether a particular project will be implemented is under the special attention of the Prime Minister. Experts are examining the matter and they will determine which option would be best for Bhola,” he said.
He added that the government was considering various issues given the prevailing circumstances.
“We are working on behalf of the government. Whatever is best for the people of Bhola, we will implement it with the people’s participation, InshaAllah. We will undertake the maximum possible development work in Bhola,” Partha said.
Recalling his political journey
Recalling his entry into politics, Partha said his father, late Najiur Rahman Manju, died in 2006, after which he became involved in politics.
“That was the most difficult period of my life. During the Moeenuddin-Fakhruddin government, the nationalist forces faced a lot of injustice and repression. I had to continue my political journey under difficult circumstances,” he said.
“At that time, nobody in Bangladesh knew me. My only identity was that I was the son of Najiur Rahman Manju. I have been in politics for 18 years since then. I could have taken many opportunities and benefits during that period, but I gave up everything and stood with the nationalist forces, accepting imprisonment and persecution,” he added.
First visit to Bhola after taking charge
Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Andaleeb Rahman Partha visited his constituency in Bhola for the first time after taking oath and assuming office as a minister.
According to his tour schedule, signed by Dr AKM Tazkir-uz-Zaman, deputy secretary and private secretary to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Partha was scheduled to leave Gulshan-2 in Dhaka at 6:00am on Wednesday and reach Bhola Circuit House at around 11:00am by road.
His journey, however, was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. He eventually arrived at the Bhola ferry terminal at around 12:30pm.
Thousands of people, including leaders and activists of different political parties, welcomed the minister at the terminal with flowers.
A delegation of BNP leaders and activists led by Bhola District BNP Convener and District Council Administrator Golam Nabi Alamgir greeted him. Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), led by its Bhola district unit president Md Amirul Islam Ratan, also welcomed him.
Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr Shamim Rahman, Superintendent of Police Md Shahidullah Kawsar and other district administration officials were present at the ferry terminal.
FP/F
