Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday urged voters to reject parties that have governed the country for a long time, saying the people of Bangladesh have “seen them enough” and it is now time to give Jamaat a chance.
Addressing an election rally at the Teesta Barrage Helipad ground in Dalia of Nilphamari on February 4 afternoon, he said, “The people of this country have seen you a lot, now go to rest. Give us a chance. We are not spring cuckoos – we will bring real development to the country.”
Criticising past rulers, the Jamaat Amir alleged that corruption has been carried out in the name of politics. “Corruption and politics cannot go together. Those who are corrupt have no moral right to do politics,” he said, adding that Jamaat-e-Islami wants to build a corruption-free Bangladesh.
“I do not want just Jamaat’s victory; I want the victory of 18 crore people. A ‘yes’ vote means the victory of the people,” he said.
Referring to the upcoming elections, Shafiqur Rahman said the election would not be an ordinary one. “People want change. There are two votes—one is ‘yes’, the symbol of freedom, and the other is ‘no’, the symbol of slavery. You will cast the first vote for ‘yes’. The second vote will be for the candidate of the 11-party alliance to establish justice,” he added.
Highlighting development plans for the Teesta region, the Jamaat Amir said the area would be given priority if the Jamaat comes to power. “Teesta will be made the economic hub of the northern region. The Teesta Master Plan will be implemented at any cost,” he said, promising modernisation of roads and railways, including development of the Burimari land port.
He said the northern region has long been neglected and pledged to initiate development from there. “We will stop those who have been dividing the nation, extorting money and doing business in the name of ideology. The northern region will be turned into the capital of agriculture and industry,” he said.
Assuring people about safety and stability, Shafiqur Rahman said there was no reason to fear. “We will establish justice and build a new Bangladesh with everyone. We are ready to give our lives, but we will not allow harm to our mothers and sisters. Ensuring women’s safety is our goal,” he said.
Leaders of the 11-party alliance also spoke at the rally, which was presided over by Abu Taher, Lalmonirhat district Jamaat Amir and candidate for Lalmonirhat-3 constituency.
Earlier, the Jamaat Amir arrived at the rally venue by helicopter from Kurigram.