Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami officially launched its campaign for the 13th Parliamentary Election today, Thursday, with a massive show of strength in the capital’s Mirpur area. The rally, held at the Adarsha School grounds in Mirpur-10, centered on the candidacy of the party’s Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, who is contesting from the Dhaka-15 constituency.
The event marked the beginning of an intensive electioneering period that will continue until February 10, ahead of the general election and national referendum scheduled for February 12.
Massive Turnout and Slogans for Change
Though the rally was scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM, the venue was packed to capacity long before the starting whistle. Thousands of activists and supporters arrived in small trucks, pickups, and on foot, chanting the slogan, “Golami na Azadi” (Slavery or Freedom).
By mid-afternoon, the crowd spilled over onto the main roads, causing significant traffic congestion from Mirpur-14 to the Mirpur-10 intersection. The formal proceedings commenced at 3:00 PM with a recitation from the Holy Quran.
Voices from the Field
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as party workers expressed their commitment to the cause. Kabir Ahmed, an activist from the Tamanna Park area under Shah Ali Thana, spoke of the sacrifices made by party members.
“I hope and believe that the blood shed by the workers of Jamaat-Shibir for the establishment of Quranic principles will not go in vain. We will defeat oppression. If Allah grants us success, as seen in previous historic wins, we will win this seat and Jamaat will form the government,” said Kabir Ahmed.
Notable Presence and Speeches
The rally was moderated by former Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam. In a show of political alignment, Nahid Islam from the NCP was present on the stage.
The program also featured moving testimonies from family members of those injured or killed during the July uprising. Speakers at the event urged the public to participate in the upcoming referendum and ensure a victory for their platform.
Public Impact and Logistics
To accommodate the overflow of supporters who could not enter the school grounds, the organizers set up large screens at the Mirpur-10 intersection to broadcast the speeches live.
As the campaign gains momentum, the Mirpur area remains under heavy pedagogical and political focus, given that the party’s top leader, Shafiqur Rahman, is vying for this key seat.
