Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami officially kicked off its campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election today, with party Ameer Shafiqur Rahman vowing to eliminate “private taxes” (extortion) and establishing a state based on justice.
Addressing a massive public rally at the Adarsha School ground in Mirpur, the party chief focused on his own constituency, Dhaka-15, marking the formal start of the party’s electoral activities for the upcoming February 12 polls.
War on Extortion
In a sharp critique of the current informal economy of extortion, Shafiqur Rahman highlighted the plight of small traders and the marginalized.
“The country runs on public taxes. But beyond that, there is a ‘private tax’ collected at every grocery store, from every hawker on the street, and even from the brothers and sisters who beg by the roadside. We will not let this money be snatched away. This extortion in the name of tax must end,” he declared.
Critique of BNP’s ‘Family Card’
The Jamaat Ameer also took a swipe at the “Family Card” promise recently announced by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. He questioned the feasibility and impact of such cash handouts.
“We are not making promises of such cards. Can a family solve its problems with 2,000 taka? My brother Nahid Islam (NCP Convener) has already pointed out how these funds are often pilfered,” Shafiqur Rahman remarked. He further alleged that such schemes often lead to a “commission culture” where the poor only receive a fraction of the promised amount after “fees” are paid to middlemen.
The ‘Pallakoli’ Alliance
In a significant political move, Shafiqur Rahman introduced the candidates for several Dhaka constituencies under the 10-party alliance led by Jamaat. He formally handed over the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘Scales’ (Dandipalia), to:
- Saiful Alam Khan (Dhaka-12)
- Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman (Dhaka-14)
- Abdul Baten (Dhaka-16)
- S M Khaliduzzaman (Dhaka-17)
Notably, he also presented the symbol to Nahid Islam, the Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-11, as part of the 10-party strategic alliance. In a play on words, the Ameer dubbed the collaboration ‘Pallakoli’, urging voters to support the joint candidates to defeat “fascism and bank looters.”
Warning Against ‘New Fascism’
Reflecting on the 17 years under the previous regime, Shafiqur Rahman warned that the people of Bangladesh would not tolerate “vote robbers” or fascism in any new form.
“If fascism returns wearing a new shirt, it will meet the same fate as it did on August 5,” he said, referring to the 2024 mass uprising. He urged other political parties to ensure they do not repeat the mistakes of the past by engaging in land grabbing or “case-commerce” (filing false cases for profit).
Vision for Education and Women’s Security
The Ameer pledged to transform educational institutions like Manipur High School into world-class facilities and emphasized that Jamaat would focus on making the youth self-reliant rather than dependent on “charity.”
Regarding women’s rights, he promised 100% security in the workplace and on the streets. “We tell our friends: do not dare to disrespect our mothers and sisters. We will tolerate many things, but we will never tolerate an assault on their dignity,” he warned.
The rally, chaired by Dhaka City North Naib-e-Ameer Abdur Rahman, featured speeches from several alliance leaders, including Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, and Student Shibir President Nurul Islam Saddam.
