Jamaat-e-Islami has held a meeting with retired officers of the armed forces, seeking advice from the retired armed forces officers on determining strategy for the upcoming national parliamentary election.
This meeting was held on Monday night at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.
While the first part of the event was open to all, including journalists, the meeting in the final part was held in private.
Two officers who participated in the meeting told TIMES of Bangladesh that in the second part of the event, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman asked the retired officers what issues should be included in the party’s manifesto for the upcoming election that would be accepted by the people of the country. Additionally, he inquired about the ground situation and what Jamaat’s electoral strategy should be.
In this regard, the retired officers emphasised Jamaat’s positive stance on the issues of freedom fighters and women, as well as the need to increase employment, establish good governance, and continue the ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
A total of over 120 armed forces officers participated in the meeting.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman (Bir Protik) said, “We have been tainted in the last four elections. As a nation, we do not want to be tainted anymore. Over the past 54 years, we have elected swindlers. Now we will not accept their leadership. We have now realised who our friends are. We want the leadership of those who will stand against hegemony in the days to come. We want to vote without hindrance.”
He said, “There is no anti-national activity that the Awami League has not done. They have also tarnished the patriotic army. But there is no remorse among them. Whoever comes to power in the next election must prioritise women for the country’s development.”
Retired Major General Mahbubul Alam said, “We do not want to give Bangladesh’s power to any hegemonic force anymore. We want to build a just Bangladesh in the days to come. For that, we must come forward. We have not taken salary and pension money from the hard-earned income of the working people of this country to live a life of comfort and ease after retirement. Their debt must be repaid by truly building the country.”
Colonel (Retd) Abdul Baten said, “Trials must be held for all killings. At the same time, there must be a fair election. Care must be taken to ensure that no new autocrat emerges.” He said, “The spirit of July must be realised. For that, patriotic retired officers must come forward.”
Delivering the welcome speech at the event, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, “West Pakistan did not treat Bangladesh with justice.” He said, “In the past days, the correct history of independence could not be presented, which is regrettable.”
The Jamaat Ameer said, “I do not want to see any election based on understanding like in the past days. Where the party wins but the nation is defeated – I do not want to see that anymore. From here, I want to see the victory of the nation.”
He further said, “We want an election in the country where every citizen will go to vote with ease. Only then will the election be fair. We want CC cameras at every booth. I see the government as irresponsible in this matter. We have deep faith in the people. The people will vote for whoever they want. But that environment must be created. It has not happened until now. Fear and intimidation still prevail.”
Shafiqur Rahman said, “If the country’s borders are secure, internal functions will be in order. Love the country, don’t fear the seat of power. There must be understanding among those who will be in the constitution and in defending the country. But crossing the limit will inevitably lead to disaster; that is where the rise of fascism becomes inevitable.”
