Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi. Photo : Collected

BARGUNA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi, Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s candidate for the Barguna-2 constituency, has pledged to create employment opportunities for unemployed youth and construct a bridge over the Bishkhali River.

He also promised to focus on agricultural development and compensation arrangements for fishermen.

In an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha’s (BSS) Barguna district correspondent Md. Hafizur Rahman ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi highlighted his pledges.

Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi, son of Bawalkar Pir Maulana Abdul Qader of Barguna, is the president of Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Barguna district unit and serves as the central organizing secretary (Barishal division) of the National Ulema-Mashayekh Aimma Council.

An Islamic scholar, politician, organiser and successful entrepreneur, Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi currently serves as the founder-director of several educational institutions and madrasahs.
BSS: What are your election pledges for the voters of your constituency?

Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi: I plan to create employment opportunities for unemployed youth through the establishment of local industries. 
For fishermen who lose their lives at sea, I will ensure compensation of up to Taka 10 lakh.

I also aim to establish cold storage facilities and auto rice mills and ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. 
Fishermen in Patharghata, the country’s second-largest fishing hub, will be trained in modern, safe fishing techniques to enable proper harvesting and sale at fair prices.

In the healthcare sector, I intend to modernize government hospitals in Betagi, Bamna and Patharghata to provide better medical services to the local population. 
Besides, I will develop a modern eco-tourism centre at the historic tourism spot Horin Ghata in Patharghata.

BSS: What instructions have you given your workers regarding the election code of conduct?

Qasemi: I have explicitly instructed our workers to strictly follow the election code of conduct. They have been strictly instructed not to violate the election code of conduct under any circumstances.
BSS: What is your position on referendum regarding the July Charter?

Qasemi: The July Charter's referendum is for constitutional reform. We will vote ‘Yes’ and actively promote public awareness in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote.

BSS: What are your expectations for the upcoming national parliamentary election?

Qasemi: I hope the upcoming election will be held in a free and peaceful environment. A fair, free and impartial election is essential.

The Barguna-2 parliamentary constituency comprises Patharghata, Bamna and Betagi upazilas. 

Before 2008, Betagi upazila belonged to the Barguna-1 constituency, while Patharghata and Bamna formed Barguna-2.

Following the re-demarcation of parliamentary constituencies during the caretaker government in 2009, Betagi upazila was incorporated into Barguna-2.

The constituency consists of three upazilas and two municipalities. 

Barguna, a southern coastal district adjacent to the Sundarbans, is bordered by rivers on three sides. As a result, river routes remain the primary mode of communication for most upazilas in the district, with the exception of Betagi upazila.

According to the Election Commission, Barguna-2 has a total of 3, 34,804 voters, including 1, 66,304 male and 1, 68,496 female voters. There are 122 polling centres in the constituency.

A total of nine candidates are contesting the Barguna-2 seat in the upcoming national parliamentary election.They are BNP Vice Chairman and former Member of Parliament from Barguna-2 Nurul Islam Moni ('Sheaf of Paddy' symbol); Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr Sultan Ahmed ('Dari Palla' symbol); Islami Andolon Bangladesh candidate Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi (Hat Pakha); Jatiya Party candidate Abdul Latif Farazi (Plough); National People’s Party (NPP) candidate Md Solaiman ('Am' or 'Mango' symbol); Bangladesh Jatiya Party candidate Kamruzzaman Liton ('Kathal' or 'Jackfruit' symbol); Bangladesh Congress candidate Sabbir Ahmed ('Dab' or 'Coconut' symbol); Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) candidate Syed Md Najes Afroz ('Singho' or 'Lion' symbol) and independent candidate Mohammad Rashed Uzzaman ('Jahaj' or 'Ship' symbol).