Those who failed to prove honesty have no right to seek votes: Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has said that those who failed to prove their honesty to the people in the past have no moral right to seek votes.

He made the remarks on Friday while addressing an election rally at the Bauphal Upazila Public Ground in Patuakhali, organised in support of Shafiqul Islam Masud, the Jamaat candidate nominated by the 11-party electoral alliance for the Patuakhali-2 constituency.

Shafiqur said that only those who have respected the country’s 180 million people in the past deserve to ask for votes.

He added that on the 13th, a “New Bangladesh” would rise, carrying the nation forward.

“If we come to power, Bangladesh will be cleaner than the ten fingers of a human hand,” he said.

He pledged zero tolerance for extortion, corruption, and case-trading, stating that Jamaat neither practices nor will allow such activities.

“Anyone who files false cases will also be brought under punishment,” he warned.

He further said that looting of bank funds and project money would not be allowed.

Referring to alleged capital flight, Shafiqur claimed that Tk27 lakh crore has been siphoned off abroad.

“If Allah grants us the ability, we will recover that money and deposit it into the state treasury,” he said.

He added that development would begin in areas that have suffered the most deprivation and exploitation.

Emphasising fairness, he said development decisions would not be influenced by personal connections or by the locations of the prime minister’s or president’s residences.

“People’s rightful dues will be determined on the basis of justice,” he said.

Addressing the people of Barishal region, Shafiqur said that if given the opportunity, Jamaat would ensure that residents would not have to struggle for their rights, including those affected by river erosion.

He pledged to deliver development to every household.

After his speech, Shafiqur formally handed over election symbols to Jamaat and alliance candidates in four constituencies and sought votes on their behalf.

The rally was attended by Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Muazzem Hossain Helal, former DUCSU vice president Sadik Qayyum, and leaders and activists of Jamaat and its allied parties.

Leaders, activists, and supporters from all eight upazilas of Patuakhali district—estimated at nearly 50,000—participated in the rally.