Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday issued a stern warning against extortion, land grabbing and corruption, declaring that he would be willing to sacrifice his life to protect the rights of the people.
He made the remarks while addressing a public rally in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, in support of Jamaat’s nominated candidate Saiful Alam Khan Milon for the Dhaka-12 constituency.
Speaking as the chief guest, Shafiqur Rahman recalled the country’s history of struggles for independence, saying, “Our ancestors secured a separate territory in 1947. Later, we achieved independence again in 1971 and 2024. The youth led the movement in 2024.”
Addressing the younger generation, he said they were the key to nation-building and promised to transform them into skilled workers. “In the future, the cockpit of Bangladesh will be occupied by the youth, while we will sit in the passenger seat,” he said.
Shafiqur Rahman said extortionists, land grabbers and corrupt officials had cast a dark shadow over ordinary citizens. He vowed to take strict action against extortion if his party comes to power. “I promise that we will not engage in extortion,” he said.
He also criticised political parties involved in both politics and extortion, saying, “If you are involved in politics and extortion, you are undoubtedly an extortionist.” He urged the public to stay vigilant and united against such activities.
He further claimed that the election environment was not yet free and fair, alleging that women were being harassed and oppressed. “If the election is not fair, the government will be responsible,” he said.
At the rally, Dhaka-12 candidate Saiful Alam Khan Milon alleged that a political party was carrying out terrorist activities and killings across the country.
He said Jamaat leaders and activists, including women, were being attacked and party offices were being burned, and described the situation as “terrorism.”
Ducsu Vice President Sadiq Kayem, who also attended the rally, said the martyrs of the July movement had demanded justice and a corruption-free Bangladesh. He claimed that some political forces were trying to revive the old era of terrorism.
Kayem also accused BNP terrorists of being involved in the killing of a Jamaat leader in Sherpur, alleging that the party was practising “politics of murder and extortion.”
Speakers at the rally urged the public to vote “Yes” in the upcoming referendum to preserve the spirit of the July uprising and to support Jamaat-e-Islami in the general election.
