Abdullahpur, part of Kishoreganj-8 constituency, wore a festive look when the acting President flew in by a helicopter of Bangladesh Air Force in the afternoon.
Representing a parliamentary seat, Itna-Mithamain-Ashtagram, for the 7th time bears the testimony of his popularity as a public figure.
Walking down the memory lane, an elated acting President said, “My first public address before a huge crowd was in 1969 as a leader of Chhatra League. After so many years, I’m here again on my first visit after taking over as acting President… I’m here to see you — the haor people.”
Addressing a gathering at Abdullahpur, Hamid, the country’s longest-serving parliamentarian, said he is performing the duty of President as per the Constitution and would do it with sincerity.
“The election to the presidency will be held shortly. I don’t know who will be the next President but I want to play my role as the acting president with dignity,” Hamid told his fellow-villagers.
Emotion-choked Hamid recalled: “I had talked about the principles and ideology of Bangabandhu right here back in 1969 and after long 44 years today I can firmly say that I never moved away for a single moment from that principles and ideology. I would like to uphold it till my death.”
Hamid went on: “I had tried my level best for improving the lifestyle of the haor people, but I’ve not been able to work as per my desire as Awami League had been out of state power for a long time.”
He said the government is committed to improving the living standard of the poor haor people and has taken initiatives to provide electricity connections and build roads in all unions of the impoverished areas in phases.
The acting President said the government has allocated Tk 15 crore to build a graveyard and a cremation site in the area.
Hamid urged the haor people to send their children to school so that they can make valuable contributions to development of the area in the future.
“If I could become the president from a farmer’s family why not your children can do that,” the acting President exhorted his villagers.
He urged them to refrain from engaging in infighting and violent activities as it would only hamper development of the area. “Try to solve problems through discussions…this is the best way to maintain a congenial atmosphere.”
Earlier, the acting President laid the foundation stone of a 2.3-km long village protection dam project, which is expected to protect Abdulahpur, the largest village of the area, from strong water waves during monsoon.
He also visited the dead Kalni River in the area where water resource ministry is implementing a 33-km dredging project to restore its navigability.
