Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday struck a tone of religious harmony, anti-terror resolve and socio-economic reform as he addressed a major election rally of the 11-party alliance in Habiganj, calling Bangladesh a “flower garden” nurtured by people of all faiths.
“We hate the division of religions. We will not allow Bangladesh to be divided again,” he said, adding that Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have lived together in this land for generations. “Allah has decorated this country like a garden with different kinds of trees. Islam does not allow excesses on the basis of religion—there is no room for it.”
Speaking as the chief guest at the rally held at Habiganj New Field at 11am, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said no true religious person could ever harm followers of other religions. Referring to allegations made against Jamaat leaders, scholars and ulama, he said none had ever been proven. “Those who accused us were the real looters and oppressors. Insha’Allah, we will stop this culture,” he vowed.
The rally was chaired by Habiganj District Jamaat Amir Maulana Kazi Mukhlisur Rahman and moderated by Kazi Mohsin Ahmed, secretary of Jamaat and candidate for Habiganj-3. During the programme, Dr Shafiqur Rahman introduced the alliance’s candidates in four constituencies of the district.
Touching on law and order, the Jamaat Amir said he had heard Habiganj was also affected by terrorism. “Your verdict will come on the 12th. Those who stand against terrorism will vote for justice, and those who nurture terrorism will vote the other way,” he told voters.
On economic policy, he rejected the idea of unemployment allowances, saying youths want dignity through work, not charity. “We will turn villages into industries. We will build agriculture-based factories, where educated youths can use their talents. Villages will change their face,” he said, promising modernisation of tea gardens, technological advancement and universal access to education. “No child will be deprived of the light of education,” he added.
Criticising dynastic politics, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “In this country, the son of a king becomes a king, the son of a queen becomes a queen. We want to change this trend.”
In a sharp attack on traditional election-time politics, he said some leaders appear before people like “pirs and auliyas” only during polls, promising rivers of development. “After elections, they disappear. People get boiled water once in five years,” he remarked, accusing past rulers of looting public wealth. He claimed that at least Tk 28 lakh crore had been siphoned abroad over the last 15 and a half years. “This money belongs to 18 crore people — beggars have a share in it, and even children born today have a share,” he said.
Leaders present at the rally included Khilafat Majlis Central Amir and Habiganj-2 candidate Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, Habiganj-4 candidate and Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Quader, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zobayer, JAGPA Vice Chairman Rashed Pradhan, JUCSU GS Mazharul Islam, Nezame Islam Sylhet Metropolitan Amir Maulana Jobayer Rahman Khan, Habiganj-1 candidate Mufti Maulana Sirajul Islam Mirpuri, Advocate Ashraful Bari Noman, NCP Convener Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal and others.
The programme ended with the Jamaat Amir formally introducing the 11-party alliance candidates and seeking votes in their favour.