Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Monday that the “eight-party alliance” does not seek victory only for itself, but for the 180 million people of Bangladesh.
“We want to keep fighting for a corruption-free society, justice, economic freedom, and an independent country free from any kind of control,” he said while speaking at the Khulna Divisional Rally organised by the Jamaat-led alliance.
Mufti Syed Md Rezaul Karim, the Ameer and Charmonai Pir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, presided over the rally.
Since 5 August, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, a particular group has been attacking people to expand its influence. He noted that extortion, corruption, and disorder continue, and some people are wielding power even without being in the government.
He added that these influences are affecting the administration, and people now feel that the situation has worsened, even though it was not ideal before.
He also claimed that Islamic parties were not accused of extortion during that period.
Speaking to people aged 35 and below, who could not vote in the last three national elections, he said, “If anyone tries to steal your vote this time, we will not allow it. On that day, I will stand with you like a youth and fight for your voting rights.”
Dr Shafiqur Rahman emphasised that the young generation will one day take responsibility for the country and must prepare themselves. “You may not need to work, but you must create jobs for others.”
Even 54 years after independence, the Jamaat Ameer said, many of the people’s hopes remain unfulfilled. He stated that although some development is visible, it is not genuine development. What truly matters, he said, is justice and good governance.
To become a civilised nation, he added, the country must become free from corruption. Dr Shafiqur Rahman accused some parties and individuals of repeatedly harming the country’s image by promoting corruption.
He noted that their banners and posters are being torn down in many places, but added that people no longer choose whom to vote for based on posters. Instead, people support them from the heart.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman declared that the street movement will continue until the five-point demands of the eight protesting parties are met, and the unity among Islamic parties will help bring them to parliament.
