Special Correspondent, Dhaka

The election for the 2026–2027 executive committee of the Jalalabad Association, one of the oldest and most prestigious organizations representing Sylhet residents living in Dhaka, will be held on July 31 at the BIAM Foundation in the capital.

Contesting for the post of General Secretary from the Qayes Sami–Aziz–Munna–Ripon Panel is Dr. Md. Ziaul Islam Munna, Additional Secretary-rank official at the Ministry of Shipping, former Assistant Private Secretary (APS) in the Personal Wing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, researcher, academic, experienced civil servant, and veteran organizer. He is campaigning with a vision to strengthen the organization, advocate for Sylhet's legitimate rights, and accelerate the region's long-overdue development.

Having been actively associated with the Jalalabad Association for 36 years and serving five terms as Joint General Secretary, Dr. Munna believes his extensive organizational experience, administrative expertise, and well-defined development agenda will earn the confidence of voters.

According to him, the Jalalabad Association is not merely a non-political social organization but has the potential to function as an effective pressure group and bargaining platform for advancing the legitimate interests of the Sylhet region.

Dr. Munna says that his five years of experience in the Personal Wing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia significantly enhanced his administrative and negotiation skills. He also points to his three consecutive terms as an elected Executive Committee Member of the Officers' Club Dhaka, often referred to as the "Parliament of the Bureaucrats," where members are elected by officers from 27 BCS cadres. These experiences, he says, have enabled him to establish close professional contacts across different levels of the government and policy-making institutions, which he hopes to utilize in promoting Sylhet's development priorities.

As part of his official responsibilities and personal engagements, Dr. Munna has traveled extensively to countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Austria, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and India.

Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Munna earned his B.Sc. (Honours) and M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Dhaka before completing a PhD in Intermodality and Marketing from the university's Faculty of Business Studies.

He also obtained an M.Sc. in Port Management from the World Maritime University (WMU), Sweden, under a Bangladesh Government nomination with funding support from Germany and the World Bank. In addition, he completed both LL.B. and LL.M. degrees from Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology.

He is a recipient of the German CDG Fellowship and the World Bank Scholarship.

Currently, Dr. Munna serves as a Syndicate Member of Bangladesh Maritime University, a government-appointed BCS Viva Board Expert Examiner, a Member of the Jalalabad Education Trust, a three-time elected Executive Member of Officers' Club Dhaka, Vice President of the Jalalabad Officers' Association, Director of Rotary Club of Dhaka Fort, and a Life Member of the Dhaka University Alumni Association. He has also served as a part-time faculty member at several universities.

Priorities for Sylhet's Development

Dr. Munna believes several major development projects in Sylhet have remained neglected for years. He expresses optimism that, with the support and guidance of ministers, advisers, and lawmakers representing the region, it will be possible to expedite these initiatives.

Among his key priorities are:

-Accelerating the completion of the Dhaka–Sylhet six-lane highway.

-Constructing a double-track railway on the Dhaka–Sylhet route and increasing the number of intercity train services.

-Working with the government to address the concerns of expatriates.

-Restoring the navigability of the Surma River through regular dredging and addressing waterlogging.

Improving educational standards and equipping young people with skills for international employment.

Panel's Development Agenda

The Qayes Sami–Aziz–Munna–Ripon Panel has outlined a broad development agenda focusing on infrastructure, education, environmental protection, expatriate welfare, and organizational expansion.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

-Expedite the implementation of the Dhaka–Sylhet six-lane highway.

Advocate for a double railway line and additional intercity train services.

Promote the operationalization of Shamshernagar Airport and the expansion of Osmani International Airport, including the introduction of new international routes.

Education and Employment

Introduce Japanese, German, and other foreign language training alongside technical skills programs for overseas job seekers.

Encourage the establishment of advanced educational institutions across the Sylhet region.

Advocate for a university and medical college in Moulvibazar, as well as a technical university and Rural Development Academy in Sylhet.

Organize free computer training, job fairs, and preparation programs for BCS, banking, and competitive examinations.

Environment and River Management

Ensure regular dredging of the Surma and other rivers.

Promote coordinated initiatives to reduce flooding and waterlogging.

Expatriate Welfare

Assist expatriates living in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the Middle East in resolving various administrative and legal issues.

Strengthen the Association's airport help desk services.

Expand financial and administrative assistance for repatriating the remains of deceased expatriates.

Culture and Organizational Development

Construct a second Jalalabad Association building in Purbachal.

Expand the Association's international chapters.

Promote Sylheti culture, Nagri script, and literary activities.

Introduce gold medals to honor distinguished individuals and recommend deserving personalities for state recognition.

Celebrate the Association's 75th anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) with year-long programs.

Appeal to Voters

Addressing voters, Dr. Md. Ziaul Islam Munna said:

"I want to transform the Jalalabad Association into a more effective, modern, and people-oriented organization. By utilizing my long organizational experience and administrative expertise, I hope to contribute meaningfully to realizing the legitimate aspirations of the people of Sylhet. I seek everyone's prayers and support."