No inch of compromise on the country's sovereignty: Dr. Shafiqur Rahman

He said these things during an exchange of views with journalists at the Netrokona District Circuit House on Friday (July 3) morning.

Regarding the border situation, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that although a notice was given to discuss the matter in parliament, the government did not accept it. According to him, a unified message from parliament on the border issue needs to be conveyed to the international community, so that the unity of the entire nation on the question of the country's sovereignty is clear.

He said, if necessary, alongside the BGB, ordinary people will also stand with patriotism at the border. The BGB will have weapons, and the people will have patriotism. There is no room for any compromise in protecting independence and sovereignty.

Referring to the neighboring country, the Jamaat Ameer said, no country can oppress the people of another country under the guise of a friendly relationship. True friendship develops on the basis of mutual respect and responsible behavior. If that responsibility is not fulfilled, the people will not remain silent in protecting the country's interests.

Regarding river management, he said that due to river dredging during the monsoon season, proper use of government funds is not ensured. This is increasing problems like river filling, formation of sandbars during monsoon, and water scarcity in the dry season. To tackle this situation, he reiterated the proposal to change the country's fiscal year from July-June to January-December.

Criticizing the implementation of development projects, he said that project work proceeds slowly in the first nine months of the fiscal year, yet most of the funds are spent hastily in the last one and a half to two months. This compromises the quality and accountability of projects.

Regarding the industrial potential of Netrokona, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that there is ample opportunity for industrialization in the district centered around coral, silica sand, agricultural products, and fisheries resources.

He further said that to attract domestic and foreign investment, it is necessary to ensure an investment-friendly environment by eliminating corruption, bribery, commission business, bureaucratic complexities, and red tape. This will accelerate industrialization and economic development.

The exchange meeting, chaired by Netrokona District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Sadek Ahmed Haris and conducted by District Publicity and Media Secretary Zahirul Islam, was attended by journalists from various print and electronic media and leaders of the district Jamaat.

Later, after the exchange of views with journalists, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman participated in the district Jamaat's Rukon conference.