Dhaka, Jan. 23 -- Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said North Bangladesh, despite playing a vital role in bolstering the country's food supply, has been deliberately deprived since the country's independence.

"Since the creation of Bangladesh, North Bangladesh has not been poor - it has been kept poor," Shafiqur said on Friday.

"I have come here to witness that deprivation. North Bangladesh has been treated like a stepmother."

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by the Ten-Party Unity Alliance at the Panchagarh District Sugar Mill ground.

Calling North Bangladesh "part of the heart of the nation," Shafiqur said the region feeds and nourishes the country, yet continues to lag behind due to neglect....