We Want Peace, Not Conflict, Says State Minister Nurul Haq Nur in Dashmina

Our goal is not conflict but peace; not revenge but harmony; not division but unity — everyone must work together, rising above personal interest, for the development of the area and the welfare of the people. This was the call made by Nurul Haq Nur, member of parliament for Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa-Dashmina) and state minister for expatriates' welfare and overseas employment.

He said this on Sunday around 5 pm, speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting organised by Dashmina Upazila BNP on the occasion of 7 November, National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The state minister said they had to face many adverse situations in taking part in the election. Even so, ordinary people voted for them in the hope of peace, development and well-being in the area. Fulfilling the people's expectation is their main goal.

On the question of char land grabbing and various misdeeds, he said there is discussion in some areas about char land being occupied. None of those who took part in the election is involved in land grabbing or illegal activities. Rather, those who are involved in occupying char land and in various misdeeds through fake documents are the ones trying to create anarchy, fights and conflict in the area, and trying to create an unstable situation through provocative acts.

He called on the administration to identify the real criminals and take action against them. He also directed that care be taken so that ordinary people in the char areas are not harassed.

Nurul Haq Nur added, 'We ourselves have not yet made any statement that would create tension or conflict in the area. We want to maintain peace and harmony.' Addressing the responsible leaders of BNP and Gono Odhikar Parishad, he said that to solve any problem everyone must sit together, discuss, and take a joint initiative to solve it. Not every problem can be solved only through the administration or the courts. As leaders of political parties, we also have a social and moral responsibility to solve people's problems.

Those present at the meeting included Upazila BNP president Siddiq Ahmed Molla, general secretary Shah Alam Shanu, former Jubo Dal member secretary Shamim Khan, Chhatra Dal convener Abul Bashar, member secretary Salah Uddin, Dhaka Metropolitan North Gono Odhikar Parishad vice-president Mizanur Rahman Hawladar, Upazila Gono Odhikar Parishad president Altab Hossain Akon, general secretary Lear Hossain Hawlada, and union-level leaders of Upazila BNP and its affiliated organisations.

Earlier, a colourful rally was brought out from the temporary office of Upazila BNP. The rally marched through the town's important roads and ended at the Upazila Parishad ground. The discussion meeting then began with a recitation from the Holy Quran.

State Minister for Overseas Employment Nurul Haq Nur described the garment workers' demand for a wage increase as logical. He said the government had begun working on raising wages even before the workers' movement, and the minimum wage board was formed giving importance to the workers' demand.