Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Pirojpur-1 constituency Masud Saidi -File photo

PIROJPUR, Jan 31, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Pirojpur-1 constituency Masud Saidi has pledged to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, terrorism and corruption, if elected in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad polls.

In an exclusive interview with BSS ahead of the polls slated for February 12, Masud Saidi said he would focus on large-scale development of roads and healthcare facilities and establish industries to address unemployment problems in the area.

Masud Saidi is contesting the Pirojpur-1 (Pirojpur Sadar–Nazirpur–Indurkani) constituency as the Jamaat-nominated candidate with the Scales symbol. 

He is the son of two-time former lawmaker and renowned Quranic exegete late Allama Delwar Hossain Saidi. His political career began in 2014 when he was elected chairman of Indurkani (Zianagar) Upazila Parishad. He is also the vice-chairman of the Saidi Foundation, established in Pirojpur after his father’s name.

Responding to a question on his electoral pledges, Masud said Pirojpur-1 has long remained neglected and deprived of development. 

“There are no industrial establishments in the district. We will make Pirojpur an economic zone to create large-scale employment and bring socio-economic development, if elected.”

He said despite being a Class-A municipality, residents of Pirojpur suffer due to poor road conditions and there had been no notable development during the previous government’s tenure. 

He also noted that the healthcare situation of the area is fragile. “We will improve health services so that people would not have to travel to Barishal, Khulna or Dhaka for treatment.”

He further pledged to construct sustainable embankments in the river-surrounded area. “I will present a drug-free, terrorism-free, corruption-free, safe and liveable Pirojpur,” he added.

On compliance with the electoral code of conduct, Masud Saidi said Jamaat-e-Islami is a disciplined political party that always follows government rules and regulations. He said party leaders and activists have been instructed to conduct election campaign in line with Election Commission’s guidelines.

Regarding the referendum, he said, “Bangladesh achieved independence through the Liberation War in 1971 and was freed from prolonged fascism through the July movement. I personally uphold the July Charter, which will determine the future structure of the state and prevent the re-emergence of fascism.”

He added that both he and his party support the July Charter.

On his expectations from the upcoming election, Saidi said he wants a free, fair and neutral election. “Jamaat-e-Islami believes in people’s free expression of opinion and expressed confidence that public support is in his favour,” he added.

He recalled that his late father was elected twice from the constituency with popular support and remained corruption-free while undertaking extensive development. He also cited his own tenure as Indurkani Upazila chairman, saying he served the people without corruption. 

He expressed the hope that voters would elect him by casting votes for the Scales symbol in the February 12 election.

In Pirojpur-1 constituency, only two candidates are contesting. Masud Saidi of Jamaat-e-Islami with the Scales symbol and BNP national executive committee member, former Pirojpur district BNP convener Professor Alamgir Hossain with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

Pirojpur, a river- and canal-surrounded district in the southern region of the country, has three parliamentary constituencies. The constituency comprises Pirojpur Sadar, Nazirpur and Indurkani upazilas, with one municipality and 21 unions. 

The total number of voters is 392,177, including 198,708 male voters and 193,469 female voters. There are 866 polling centres in the constituency, with no third-gender voters registered.