Md Mafiz Uddin Sarker, Rangpur 

ATM Azharul Islam, Member of Parliament for the Rangpur-2 (Badarganj-Taraganj) constituency, a central Naib-e-Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and President of the Rangpur Divisional Development Forum—has called upon the government to immediately implement the Forum's 13-point development demands, including the speedy execution of the Teesta Master Plan, to uplift the people of the Rangpur division. He remarked that virtually no development has taken place in the northern region of the country.

ATM Azharul Islam MP was speaking as the chief guest at a press briefing organized by the Rangpur Divisional Development Forum for local journalists on Saturday at Jamaat-e-Islami Rangpur metropolitan office at ‘Shapla Chattar’ in the city.

The other development demands in the Forum's 13-point list include: rapid implementation of the second phase of the Madhyapara Hard Rock Mining Project; modernization of Saidpur Airport; speedy construction of a second Jamuna Bridge; infrastructure development across the Rangpur division; measures to ensure employment for women in all districts of the division; nationalization of women's colleges in all upazilas; establishment of Science & Technology and Agricultural universities in the divisional city; provision of gas line connections and supply; modernization of railway connectivity and an increase in the number of trains; establishment of agro-based industries; modernization of health complexes in all upazilas and upgrading Rangpur Medical College to a university; and connecting all district towns of the division to the national highway network. Among others present at the press briefing with journalists were Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal (Member, Central Working Council of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; Member, Rangpur-Dinajpur Regional Team; Member Secretary, Rangpur Divisional Development Forum; and MP for Rangpur-3 Sadar); Professor Golam Rabbani (Rangpur District Ameer and MP for Rangpur-5 Mithapukur); Professor Maulana Raihan Siraji (Assistant Secretary, Rangpur Metropolitan and MP for Rangpur-1 Gangachara); Mohammad Abdul Karim Sarkar (Gaibandha District Ameer and MP for Gaibandha-2 Sadar); Professor Mohammad Majedur Rahman (MP for Gaibandha-1 Sundarganj); Maulana Muhammad Nazrul Islam Lebu (MP for Gaibandha-3 Sadullapur-Palashbari); Freedom Fighter Mohammad Abdul Waresh (MP for Gaibandha-5 Saghata-Phulchhari); Maulana Abdus Sattar (Nilphamari District Ameer and MP for Nilphamari-1 Domar-Dimla); Advocate Al- Faruk Abdul Latif (MP for Nilphamari-2 Sadar); Principal Maulana Obaidullah Salafi (MP for Nilphamari-3 Jaldhaka); Hafez Abdul Muntakim (MP for Nilphamari-4 Saidpur-Kishoreganj); Professor Anwarul Islam (MP for Kurigram-1 Bhurungamari-Nageshwari); and Mohammad Mostafizar Rahman (MP for Kurigram-4 Chilmari-Raumari-Rajibpur). Vice-Principal Maulana ATM Azam Khan, a member of the Central Working Council of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the Rangpur Metropolitan Ameer, presided over the event.

Speaking on the occasion, ATM Azharul Islam MP stated that Abu Sayed of Rangpur set an unprecedented example of self-sacrifice in world history during the July Revolution of '24. The government frequently speaks of the July Revolution, yet justice has not been served to this day for the killings of the July martyrs—including Abu Sayed—and the injuries sustained by others. Fascists and their accomplices who have been convicted have neither been apprehended nor punished. The country is plagued by thuggery, extortion, and corruption everywhere. Gallant Freedom Fighter Major Akhtaruzzaman is being harassed—facing arrest and remand—simply for protesting the long-standing anarchy at the airport. Strongly condemning this, MP ATM Azharul Islam called for Major Akhtaruzzaman's immediate release and the withdrawal of all cases filed against him. He lamented that the country is currently in a state of anarchy similar to the previous fascist regime; there has been no change. The country lacks honest leadership; the major problems are incompetent rulers and corruption. The nation's youth did not shed their blood for this. If the current government acts like the Awami fascists, they will find nowhere to flee. Public suffering persists due to the government's failure; they have betrayed the nation by ignoring the people's mandate. He noted that prior to the election, all parties had reached a consensus on constitutional reform—signing the 'July Charter' and advocating for a referendum to end misrule—but now, those commitments are being disregarded. An alliance of eleven parties is working to fulfill the people's aspirations.

During the exchange of views, journalists presented various issues and prospects concerning the districts and upazilas of the Rangpur division to MP Azharul Islam. He listened attentively and, alongside MPs from the eleven-party alliance, sincerely assured them that these issues would be addressed.

MP ATM Azharul Islam remarked that journalists are the mirror of society. He urged them to perform their professional duties fearlessly.