Ensure 18cr people’s victory to prevent fascism’s return

“We don’t want Jamaat’s lone victory. We seek the victory of all 18 crore people. If state power is captured by a single party, a family, or a small group in the upcoming general election, the country risks sliding back into a familial dictatorship,” he said, addressing a rally at Moheskhali upazila in Cox’s Bazar.

The rally, held at Ghoraghata Adarsha High School ground, drew enthusiastic crowds from across the area, who marched with slogans, placards, banners, and festoons in line with electoral code of conduct.

Highlighting Maheshkhali and Kutubdia’s economic potential, Shafiqur Rahman pointed to projects such as the Matarbari deep-sea port, economic zones, and energy initiatives, saying their effective implementation could transform the region into a major economic hub and generate large-scale employment.

He added that electing the 11-party alliance would enable the government to address local challenges, improve livelihoods, and raise living standards. 

“Young people want justice, dignity, and decent job opportunities, not allowances,” he said, urging the future government to prioritise creating honourable employment over unemployment handouts.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman also alleged that massive sums of public funds had been laundered abroad, insisting that those responsible must face justice. He pledged that any recovered money would be used for equitable development, with a focus on underprivileged and underdeveloped areas.

“We are committed to ensuring the dignity, safety, and security of women at home, in public spaces, and at workplaces. Employment opportunities will be offered based on merit and patriotism, regardless of religion,” he added.

Calling for national unity, he urged voters to stay vigilant against electoral manipulation and to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum in favour of justice, transparency, and good governance, to build a united and prosperous Bangladesh.

Earlier in the day, Rahman arrived in Maheshkhali by helicopter at around 12:15pm. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and candidate for Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency Hamidur Rahman Azad along with leaders and activists of the 11-party electoral alliance, attended the rally.

Shafiqur Rahman criticised leadership tainted by corruption, extortion, loan defaults, and bank looting. 

Emphasising integrity, patriotism, and moral strength, he said that only leaders who stand with the people in both hardship and happiness – not seasonal politicians – can build a Bangladesh that progresses confidently rather than crawling or limping into the future.