Conspirators plotting to hinder Bangladesh’s progress: Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury

State conspirators are attempting to hinder the progress of a forward-moving Bangladesh, said State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury. He made this statement on Sunday, June 2, during a ceremony for the handover of Kamabala Nibas and the inauguration of Kamabala Road at Godabari village in Dharmapur Union of Dinajpur‍‍`s.

Chowdhury mentioned that certain groups are devising grand schemes to tarnish the government’s image from within. "They have targeted Sheikh Hasina. If they manage to remove Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh will no longer be able to stand tall," he asserted.

Reflecting on a rare experience in his political career, the State Minister shared a lesson from the last national election. "Despite my years in politics, it was a 92-year-old woman from Godabari village, Kamabala, who taught me the importance of a single vote for an area, a country, and the entire populace," he said. He recounted a campaign event on January 3, 2024, at Kaliaganj School field, which turned into a public meeting attended by thousands, including many women. Amid the crowd, Kamabala, who did not know the candidate personally, advanced towards the Awami League stage, driven by her faith in the party’s ideals and leadership.

Chowdhury recounted how Kamabala handed over her modest savings in support of the Awami League, illustrating her deep trust in the party symbolized by the boat. "When I tried to pin the boat badge on her, she said, ‘I recognize this symbol; it needs no introduction.’ Her unwavering belief in the boat symbol was so profound that it humbled even the candidate," he said.

Chowdhury informed the Chief Election Commissioner about Kamabala, dubbing her the "Voter of the Election" for setting an exemplary precedent. "A single vote can change the fate of a nation, propel a country to the peak of development, and awaken an entire populace," he emphasized.

Recalling the past, he said, "In 1996, we voted for Sheikh Hasina, who transformed the fate of Bengalis. However, in the 2001 election, people’s rights were snatched away, leading to oppression, terrorism, looting, corruption, and a loss of freedoms and security." He referred to the attempt on Sheikh Hasina’s life through a grenade attack and how the country was on the verge of being recognized globally as a terrorism hub. "Challenging this terrorism through voting has brought us to where we are today. Not only Kamabala of Godabari but people across Bangladesh are no longer landless," he said, noting the decreasing landlessness in Bangladesh.

The State Minister praised the electorate for voting for the boat symbol, which has helped in overcoming poverty. "Bangladesh has transitioned from a least developed country to a developing nation, and by 2026, it will complete its graduation to a middle-income country, thanks to your votes," he stated.

He urged everyone present not to fall for any false propaganda or rumors.

Among those present were Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Shakil Ahmed, Superintendent of Police Shah Iftekhar Ahmed, Joint General Secretary of Dinajpur District Awami League Farukuzzaman Chowdhury Michael, President of Upazila Awami League Sabuja Siddique Sagar, General Secretary Babu Ramakant Roy, President of Dharmapur Union Awami League Abdul Majid Master, and General Secretary Ratan Chandra Roy, along with various leaders and activists from Awami League and its affiliate organizations.