Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has launched a scathing attack on a “major political party,” questioning their capability to lead the nation when they struggle to maintain internal discipline. Speaking at a massive public rally at the Government RC College ground in Mehendiganj on Friday, he claimed that since the August 5 uprising, certain groups have been harassing innocent citizens with false cases to extort money.
“Those who cannot manage their own party, how will they run the country?” Dr. Shafiqur Rahman asked while addressing the crowd as the chief guest. “After August 5, they have made life miserable for the common man by filing cases against the innocent and collecting ‘taxes’ through extortion. The people are fed up with them.”
A Legacy of Exploitation
Reflecting on the nation’s history, the Jamaat chief noted that while the Liberation War was fought against Pakistan’s discrimination, the subsequent years did not bring the desired change for the masses. He specifically criticized the Awami League for its nearly four-year rule (post-independence) characterized by “exploitation and anarchy.”
“Power has changed hands multiple times, but the fate of the nation has remained unchanged,” he said. He further described Jamaat-e-Islami as the “most oppressed” political entity in the country’s history, citing judicial killings and systemic persecution. “Despite the oppression, we never stopped speaking for the rights of the people.”
Economic Reforms and 11-Party Alliance
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that the 11-party alliance is determined to establish the true spirit of the July Revolution. He highlighted economic stability as the biggest upcoming challenge and pledged to recover laundered money if given the mandate to govern.
“If Allah grants us the responsibility to lead, we will ensure everyone gets their due rights. The money smuggled abroad will be brought back from their very bellies. We will uproot corruption entirely.”
He also promised prioritized development for the neglected coastal regions of Hijla and Mehendiganj, focusing on economic infrastructure and communication.
On Cyberattacks and Politics
Addressing the recent hacking of his social media accounts, the Ameer dismissed the attempts to tarnish his image. “They fired a missile at me, but it has rebounded onto their own foreheads. Truth can never be suppressed,” he remarked.
He called upon the public to reject the “politics of extortion, murder, and looting” and urged them to vote ‘Yes’ for a fundamental change in the upcoming polls. “I have guarded the party for a long time; if you give me the chance, I will now guard the country,” he added.
Candidates Presented
At the end of his speech, the Jamaat Ameer officially presented Professor Abdul Jabbar, the candidate for the Barishal-4 (Mehendiganj-Hizla) constituency, along with other alliance candidates to the public.
The rally, presided over by Mehendiganj Upazila Jamaat Ameer Shahidul Islam, was also attended by:
- Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal, Assistant Secretary General
- A K M Fakhruuddin Khan Razi, Barishal Region Team Member
- Barrister Asaduজ্জামান Fuad (Barishal-3 candidate)
- Maulana Mahmudunnabi Talukdar (Barishal-6 candidate)
- Master Abdul Mannan (Barishal-2 candidate)
- Maulana Kamrul Islam Khan (Barishal-1 candidate)
