Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated, “We do not want to divide the nation; rather, we are determined to unite everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, and also want to gift the people, a new Bangladesh free from corruption, terrorism, extortion, and all forms of crime.”
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a student, youth, and citizen gathering organized by the Dhaka-17 parliamentary constituency at the Bhashantek BRP field today, 28 November, at 9:00 AM. Presided over by Central Executive Council member and Ameer of Dhaka City North Mohammad Selim Uddin, the event featured Islami Chhatrashibir Central President Zahidul Islam as the keynote speaker and Dhaka-17 Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate Dr. S. M. Khaliduzzaman as special guest. Also speaking were Shibir Dhaka City North President Rezaul Karim Shakil, Dhaka City West President Hafiz Abu Taher, Dhaka-17 Election coordinator Hedayet Ullah, among others.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said a certain quarter in the country wants to perpetuate oppression on people by fostering theft, robbery, extortion, corruption, looting, and a culture of fear, thereby maintaining misrule and bad governance. Those who were in power in the past could not free themselves from this evil cycle either. Yet Jamaat had been part of a government for five years. Two Jamaat ministers successfully managed three ministries with honesty, efficiency, and dedication. Even with a microscope, no trace of irregularity could be found against them. This is why opponents became apprehensive about Jamaat’s rising trajectory. During the fifteen-and-a-half years of Awami fascism, massive oppression was carried out against Jamaat. But they could not subdue even a single supporter; instead, we have now gained a place in the hearts of the masses.
He said, “Although fascism fell through the July Revolution, it has not fully disappeared; a portion of them has fled, while another portion remains engaged in corruption, extortion, tender manipulation, looting, land grabbing, and attempts to violate the honor of mothers and sisters. Those who want to keep such misdeeds alive in the country are the neo-successors of fascism.”
Referring to the contribution of the youth in the July Revolution, he added, “Our youth played a crucial role in the historic July Revolution. They united the entire population—men, women, the elderly, and children—and standing in the face of bullets and flames, and snatched a historic victory. Therefore, they do not want to return the country to its old cycle; rather, they want a new Bangladesh free from corruption and misrule.”
He further said many have not been happy with this change. Yet we struggled tirelessly for a long time to achieve it. We had to endure severe oppression from the fascist government—lawsuits, attacks, imprisonment, and remand. We were forced out of our homes but did not flee the country.
Highlighting negative politics, he said, “Post-revolution people do not want to see stale politics anymore; they want to see a new Bangladesh with a new mindset. They want a government that will not seek to change their own fortunes upon assuming power but will work to change the fate of the people. A citizen-friendly government must ensure rights and establish justice in all spheres of the state.”
The Jamaat Ameer said some parties are talking about forming a national unity government after the election but excluding Jamaat. “We want to say that if we come to power by the people’s vote, we want to work with everyone.”
About obstacles to their electoral campaign, he said opponents are creating barriers to their election activities. Their leaders and activists are being attacked. Even women are not spared from these acts of vengeance. Campaign materials are being snatched, and posters are being torn down. But despite all obstacles, we have secured a place in the minds of the people—whose proof lies in the student union elections of DUCSU and three other universities. Therefore, the Bangladesh of tomorrow will be a Bangladesh of the youth. He urged the youth to be prepared to make any sacrifice necessary in the field to build a new Bangladesh.
In his keynote speech, Md. Zahidul Islam said the country and the nation are passing through a critical juncture. Therefore, to overcome this crisis, we must build unity like a shield of lead. The new generation must serve as the frontline soldiers. He urged everyone to make utmost efforts to ensure the victory of patriotic and Islamic forces in the upcoming election.
In his presidential address, Mohammad Selim Uddin said the country and the nation do not want to witness dictatorship and fascism anew. They will never accept the extension of the rule of mafias. Therefore, to prevent the rise of neo-fascism, the victory of the “balance-scale/ Daripalla” (Jamaat’s electoral symbol) must be ensured in the upcoming election.
