Rumana Ali Tusi, newly elected MP from Gazipur-3 constituency with the Boat symbol, has sparked excitement and enthusiasm among the locals after being appointed as the state minister for Primary and Mass Education.
Her father, the late Advocate Md Rahmat Ali, was a member of the Awami League Advisory Council and was appointed as state minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives after being elected as an MP in the seventh parliamentary election. He was a five-time MP from the seat.
Following the announcement of her new role on Wednesday night, sporadic processions took place in the area.
Gazipur District Swechasebak League General Secretary Nasir Uddin George said: "Advocate Md Rahmat Ali, with a 52-year political career, had made Gazipur-3 constituency as strong as Gopalganj. His daughter, Rumana Ali Tusi, the women affairs secretary of Bangladesh Krishak League, previously became MP for seats reserved for women. She recently became an MP in the latest election and has now been appointed as a state minister due to her efficiency."
Ahsan Kabir, a teacher at Sreepur Pilot Girls' High School, said: "In the seventh national election, Md Rahmat Ali was the last victor from Gazipur-3 and was appointed as a state minister. It has been almost 24 years since this constituency had a state minister. We are very excited about Tusi's appointment. Additionally, she was involved in various developmental activities during her tenure as an MP. Her experience will aid her in fulfilling her responsibilities as state minister."
Rafiqul Islam Akand, former general secretary of Sreepur upazila Juba League, said: "Rumana Ali Tusi has gained the people's support during her tenure as an MP in seats reserved for women, and now they have elected her through votes. She has won votes from all classes and political affiliations. She has also won everyone's heart. If she stands by the people, she can become a great leader."
Junaid Hasib, a farmer from Sreepur upazila, said: "Every area has MPs, but how many have ministers or state ministers? Having a state minister along with an MP is a significant gain for us. We expect more development in our area with her appointment as a state minister."
Rumana Ali Tusi said: "I feel honoured. I was confident about winning the election but after the results were announced, I realized how much respect the people of the constituency have given me. I will be forever grateful to them and want to stand by their side. I am especially indebted to farmers, van drivers, and the working class people.”
Rumana Ali Tusi with the boat symbol received 126,196 votes. Her nearest rival, Muhammad Iqbal Hossain Sabuj, got 24,522 votes.