A large-scale public meeting and rally, coupled with a 31-point program, was held at Hafizur Rahman Square in Maitbhanga Union, Sandwip Upazila, under the guidance of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
The event was spearheaded by Engineer Belayet Hossain, a hopeful candidate for the BNP nomination in the Chittagong-3 (Sandwip) constituency, with the objective of garnering public support for the party's election symbol, the paddy sheaf.
Engineer Belayet Hossain, speaking as the chief guest, highlighted the severe challenges faced by Sandwip residents, particularly concerning maritime communication cut off from the mainland. He raised a significant grievance regarding nearby newly emerged chars, such as Bhasanchar and Swarnadwip, claiming they have been unjustly taken from Sandwip's legitimate ownership. He also criticized the neglect of the island's medical facilities.
Belayet Hossain made a conditional pledge to address these issues if the BNP secures power in the upcoming election. He promised to work toward creating a "modern Sandwip, free from drugs and terrorism" and assured supporters that, if nominated, he would "ensure the rightful claims of the island on the raised char are upheld for the people of Sandwip." He referenced his 17 years of political struggle, which included imprisonment, oppression, and violence, as evidence of his dedication.
The rally, which began on Friday afternoon, attracted leaders and activists from various union and ward affiliates, quickly transforming the gathering into a "vast sea of supporters." Other BNP speakers praised Engineer Belayet Hossain as a proven and resilient leader, noting his involvement in the anti-dictatorship movement and his past legal actions, including filing a Tk 100 crore defamation lawsuit against a newspaper for publishing alleged "propaganda" about BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in 2018.
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