"I owe a special debt to the people of Urfi Union, and I am firmly committed to repaying it." This was stated by Dr. K. M. Babar, Member of Parliament for the Gopalganj-2 constituency.
On Tuesday (October 20) at 9:00 PM, Monir Gazi—the repeatedly elected Chairman of Urfi Union (Union No. 7 in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila)—along with other Union Parishad members and residents from all walks of life, hosted a public reception for Dr. K. M. Babar, MP for the Gopalganj-2 constituency, and welcomed him with flowers. Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Babar said, "I became an MP because you voted for me.
Having attained this position, I have not forgotten anything; I could have chosen not to come here, but I am not like the MPs of the past. I had an urgent trip scheduled to China, but I postponed it for the sake of the Sharadiya Durga Puja. I visited nearly 100 Puja Mandaps across the Gopalganj-2 constituency, where I spoke with members of the Hindu community and exchanged Puja greetings. Before the election last year, I visited several Puja Mandaps in Urfi Union and promised that if I were elected MP, I would return—and I would return repeatedly.
In the national election, I received more votes from Urfi Union than from any other union, and I am deeply indebted; I am fully committed to repaying that debt. Regarding any local disputes, please ensure that no bribes are exchanged during arbitration, and do not show unfair favoritism toward anyone—deliver only what is right and just. If you are unable to resolve a problem, please be sure to inform me.
I will coordinate with the administration to ensure it is resolved." During the event, local residents requested effective measures to prevent riverbank erosion caused by the formidable Madhumati River. They also demanded the urgent repair of the dilapidated, paved road that runs from the traditional Manikhar Bazar, along the riverbank, through Dumdia village, and connects to the main highway. Dr. K. M. Babar, MP, promised to address these demands promptly to alleviate public hardship. He further mentioned that, under the guidance of the Honorable Prime Minister, a nationwide data collection initiative for 'Family Cards' has been launched.
This process has begun in three unions within the Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, including Urfi Union. In addition to overseeing comprehensive infrastructure development in the union, he sought the cooperation of all residents in making Urfi Union free from drugs and crime.
He stated that he would support whichever candidate the people choose in the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) election, emphasizing that the election of an honest and capable candidate would ensure the continuity of development. Upon his arrival at the Union Parishad office, he was welcomed by over 3,000 people from various walks of life, who greeted him with slogans and floral tributes.
Alhaj Kabir Gazi—a prominent social worker, businessman, and the long-serving president of the managing committee of Haji Khorshed Saptapalli High School—delivered the welcome address.
The reception, presided over by Urfi Union Chairman Monir Gazi, featured speeches from several special guests, including Advocate Md. Taufiqul Islam (Convener of the Gopalganj Sadar Upazila BNP), Fazlul Kabir Dara (Member Secretary), Sajjad Hossain Hira (District President of the Swechasebak Dal), retired teacher Omar Ali Biswas, prominent social worker Milu Khan, and Krishna Bhadra (a retired Deputy Assistant Administrative Officer from the Deputy Commissioner's office).
Present on the occasion were Md. Aminul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station; Md. Saiful Islam, Convener of the District Chhatra Dal; Rashequzzaman Palash, General Secretary of the District Jubo Dal; Md. Shawkat Hossain, President of the District Bus-Minibus Owners' Association; S. M. Mawdud Hossain Rentu, General Secretary of the same association; and Hafizur Rahman, President of the Gopalganj Sadar Upazila Sramik Dal—along with approximately 3,000 residents from Urfi Union. The event was moderated by prominent contractor Kutub Uddin.
Following the dinner, Dr. K. M. Babar, accompanied by the invited guests, visited several *puja mandaps* (worship pavilions) in Urfi Union. He exchanged pleasantries with the leaders of the *puja* celebration committees and extended his best wishes for the Sharadiya Durga Puja.
