Farhad Hossain Azad. File Photo

PANCHAGARH, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominated candidate for Panchagarh-2 constituency Farhad Hossain Azad has said he would give top priority to the development of the health sector if elected in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election slated for February 12.

In an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Farhad, also the BNP central committee’s secretary for rural development affairs, said the people of Panchagarh-2 have long been deprived of proper development, particularly in healthcare, education and employment opportunities.

During the interview, he answered a range of questions, highlighting his plans and expectations regarding the forthcoming national election.BSS: What are your electoral pledges for the voters of your constituency?
Farhad Hossain Azad: If elected, my top priority will be the development of the health sector, as healthcare services in this area are in a very poor state. There are two upazila health complexes in the constituency. At Debiganj Upazila Health Complex, only five doctors are serving against a sanctioned strength of 34. 
Similarly, Boda Upazila Health Complex has only six doctors instead of the required 32. 

Due to this severe shortage, people are deprived of proper medical care and are often referred elsewhere after receiving only primary treatment. We are determined to address this crisis.

Our party chairman Tarique Rahman has already announced that a primary healthcare centre will be established for every 10,000 people, and we will work to implement this commitment.

Unemployment is another acute problem in the region. Many youths remain jobless despite completing higher education. We will take initiatives to create employment opportunities for them. 

We will also resolve existing fertiliser shortages affecting agricultural production and ensure that farmers receive adequate fertiliser timely at affordable prices.

I also want to make the Boda–Debiganj highway risk-free. Plans are in place to develop an attractive recreational centre along the Karatoya River. 

There is a significant amount of khas land in Debiganj, where we intend to establish an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), creating employment for hundreds of thousands of people.

To keep young people away from drug abuse, sports teachers will be appointed from class four, and initiatives will be taken to develop professional footballers and cricketers. 
From class seven, students will be brought under technical education.

BSS: What instructions have you given to your leaders and activists regarding compliance with the election code of conduct?
Farhad Hossain Azad: The Deputy Commissioner has instructed leaders of all political parties to strictly follow the election code of conduct. 

In compliance, we have removed all banners, festoons and billboards and stopped distributing colourful posters and leaflets.BSS: What is your stance on the referendum on the July Charter?
Farhad Hossain Azad: Following the directive of our party chairman, we will vote in favour of “Yes” in the referendum.
BSS: What are your expectations regarding the upcoming national election?
Farhad Hossain Azad: I expect the election would be free, fair and neutral, with no use of muscle power.

 However, we are hearing concerns about possible electoral engineering by outsiders in casting votes. Those responsible for conducting the election must ensure that no manipulation or subtle irregularities take place.

Our long-standing demand has been, “My vote, I will cast it for the candidate of my choice.” Voters must be able to go to polling centres freely and vote for their preferred symbol without fear, threat or intimidation.

With the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, election activities have intensified in the Panchagarh-2 constituency. 

The constituency comprises Boda and Debiganj upazilas, where voting will take place in 132 polling stations across 20 unions.
The total number of voters in the constituency stands at 4,13,265. 
Among them are 2,07,367 male voters, 2,05,895 female voters and three voters identifying as third gender.

Initially, six candidates were declared valid for the constituency. However, following court directives and the final day for withdrawal of candidacy, the number of candidates has increased to eight.

The contesting candidates in Panchagarh-2 include BNP-nominated candidate and Central Committee Rural Development Affairs Secretary Farhad Hossain Azad; Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate and District President of Islami Sramik Andolan Md Kamrul Hasan Pradhan and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, Shura member of the upazila committee and former upazila chairman Md Safiul Alam alias Safiullah Sufi.

Other candidates include Bangladesh JASAD candidate Md Imran Al Amin, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) nominee Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Communist Party nominee Ashraful Alam and independent candidate Mahmud Hasan Suman, son of ex-MP of BNP.

Among the candidates, BNP candidate Farhad Hossain Azad has emerged as a key focus of discussion on the campaign trail.