S.M. Neamul Karim. Photo: BSS

JHALOKATHI, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) – S.M. Neamul Karim, 11-party alliance (Jamaat-e-Islami) candidate for the Jhalokathi-2 (Sadar and Nalchity) constituency, has pledged to restore the district’s historical reputation as the Second Kolkata by reviving its trade and commerce.

In an exclusive interview with BSS ahead of the 13th national election Karim, who is contesting with the ‘Scales' (Dwaripalla) symbol, highlighted his vision for industrial development, the July Charter, and the electoral environment. 

BSS: What are your election promises for the voters in your constituency?
S.M. Neamul Karim: I was the elected General Secretary (GS) of the Barishal BM College Students’ Union and played an active role in the July movement. I have always tried to stand by the common people. Jhalokathi was once known as the Second Kolkata.

 If elected, I will work to restore that heritage. I will take initiatives to restart closed salt mills and rejuvenate the nearly extinct brass and bell metal industry through loan assistance. 

Furthermore, I will establish a university and a medical college in Jhalokathi. To improve regional connectivity, I will take steps build a modern road network linking Jhalokathi with the Mongla and Payra ports and take necessary steps to expand the local guava industry. 

Additionally, although Nalchity is one of the oldest municipalities in the country, its roads have not seen desired development; I intend to transform Nalchity into a modern city.

BSS: What are your instructions to your activists regarding the electoral code of conduct?
S.M. Neamul Karim: I have instructed my activists to be very careful and respectful of the electoral code of conduct set by the Election Commission. I have called upon them to maintain a peaceful environment with candidates and supporters of all parties and requested everyone to maintain mutual harmony.

BSS: What is your position on the referendum regarding the "July Charter"?

S.M. Neamul Karim: During the July mass uprising, 1,400 people sacrificed their lives and 30,000 were maimed. The families of the deceased and injured are facing extreme uncertainty. To keep these families free from worry, one must vote "Yes".

 If the July Charter is not given a permanent form, fascism may return. We must remember that Osman Hadi became a martyr while trying to implement this July Charter.

BSS: What are your expectations regarding the upcoming national election?
S.M. Neamul Karim: The Election Commission must build public confidence by ensuring an acceptable election. All political parties must be given equal opportunities (a level playing field). Effective measures must be taken to stop the influence of black money and terrorism.

 The Jhalokathi-2 seat, comprising Sadar and Nalchity, currently has 365,396 voters, including 106,069 new voters. This surge is largely due to young, first-time voters, who are expected to play a decisive role in the outcome.