People will not repeat past mistakes in upcoming polls: Jamaat ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said people of the country will not repeat past mistakes in the upcoming parliamentary election and will make the right decision for the country's future.

"Voters would act in line with the aspirations of the youth and the need for a corruption-free, just society. Those who deny the spirit of 2024 cannot claim the mandate of 2026," he told an electoral rally at the Padua ACM High School ground in Lohagara, Chattogram.

Shafiqur said the ongoing struggle is aimed at establishing a corruption-free Bangladesh that is both humane and just, with honest leadership and a vision aligned with the youth's aspirations.

He paid tribute to the martyrs and injured activists of the July uprising, specifically honoring the youth protesters who, he said, had fearlessly stood up against oppression and made historic sacrifices for the nation's future.

Jamaat chief vowed that their sacrifices would not be betrayed. "The youth of Bangladesh have never demanded unemployment allowances, they asked for dignity, justice, and opportunities to contribute to the nation based on merit," he said.

"A future government will provide education, training, and honorable employment opportunities rather than handouts," he added.

Jamaat ameer also stressed the vital role of women in the movement, acknowledging that their participation was decisive in bringing about change. He highlighted the need for women to be treated with dignity, respect, and security in society, emphasising their importance in shaping Bangladesh's future.

Shafiqur also condemned corruption, extortion, and loan defaulting, calling for Bangladesh to be freed from these detrimental practices. He alleged that approximately $234 billion, equivalent to Tk28 lakh crore, had been illicitly siphoned off to foreign countries.

He pledged that this money would be recovered and returned to the state treasury if an "Insaf (Justice)-based" government is formed under Jamaat-e-Islami's leadership.

"Past leadership has failed the nation, enriching themselves while depriving the people of their rightful share. If leadership is corrupt, the whole system collapses," he said, emphasising the need for clean, accountable governance.

Jamaat ameer warned extortionists to abandon their illegal activities, stressing that no form of corruption or intimidation would be tolerated.

He also assured those willing to reform that they would be rehabilitated through training and employment opportunities.

"We will offer a second chance to those who want to change and contribute positively to society," he said.

Calling for national unity, Shafiqur declared that Jamaat does not seek a party-centric victory but the victory of the people of Bangladesh.

"We are not looking for power for ourselves; we seek to empower the people," he said, urging voters to stay vigilant and exercise their right to vote responsibly to ensure justice, transparency, and good governance.

Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer ANM Shamsul Islam, Chattogram South District Jamaat Ameer Anwarul Alam Chowdhury and candidates from various constituencies also addressed the rally.

The rally was attended, among others, by leaders of allied parties, local political figures, journalists, and supporters from across the region.