Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today said that his party is determined to launch a fierce battle against extortionists and syndicate groups that have been exploiting the people of Bangladesh, emphasizing that change in the country's governance is inevitable.
“The victory in the upcoming elections would lead to a transformation in Bangladesh, where people from all walks of life, including rickshaw pullers, would have the opportunity to rise to political leadership based on merit,” he told a rally organized by the 10-party alliance at Adarsha Samad Government High School ground in Lakshmipur after the Jumu'ah prayers.
Dr Rahman said, “We are speaking today because of the July revolution. We will vote because of the July revolution. The son of a king cannot simply inherit the throne. We will establish a Bangladesh where even a rickshaw puller can rise to become a Member of Parliament (MP) or a minister based on his merit.”
He assured the people of Bangladesh that once the 10-party alliance wins the upcoming national elections on February 12, the country’s landscape would change drastically. "After the victory, from February 13 onwards, 90 percent of the extortionists will be permanently removed from power," he said.
He also highlighted that the revolution that began in Dhaka University in July, marked by oppression against female students, would lead to systemic changes.
Jamaat Ameer recalled the sacrifice of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, who gave his life during the revolution. “He did not run away; rather, his blood remains a legacy with us,” Dr. Rahman added. He emphasized that the core message of the revolution was equality and justice, which remains the central challenge today.
He also expressed concern about the current environmental crisis, pointing out that in the month of Magh, there was no winter and no rainfall during the monsoon season. He attributed this to the exploitation of nature by the current ruling party.
“The people are paying the price for the mismanagement of nature, and now the entire nation is suffering,” he said, adding that extortionists, who resemble vultures, are preying on ordinary people, leaving farmers, transporters, and small business owners in despair.
