Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has emphasized the necessity of holding the upcoming national election at the beginning of next year, warning that any delay could lead to serious complications in the country.
He made these remarks on Wednesday while addressing a civil society gathering organized by Biyanibazar Upazila Jamaat in Sylhet, where he was the chief guest.
However, he asserted that the election should not be conducted under the old system but rather through necessary reforms. He stressed that the upcoming national election must be "transparent, neutral, and free from muscle power and black money," adding that it would be a failure if the neutrality of the administration could not be ensured.
The Jamaat chief also demanded that Bangladeshi expatriates not only be granted voting rights but also be enabled to cast their votes from abroad.
Speaking about local elections, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, "Jamaat does not support immature elections. The party raised the demand for local elections solely to reduce the public's suffering."
Highlighting the moral shortcomings in state-building efforts, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, "Despite various attempts, the nation could not be developed properly due to a lack of moral values. Corruption in various forms plagues the country, but the most dangerous form is intellectual corruption. It is this intellectual corruption that has prevented Bangladesh from achieving its true potential."
Criticizing the moral decay within the government, he remarked, "In the 54 years since independence, the country has not been built on moral foundations. Those in power prioritize their personal interests over public welfare. They fear the Anti-Corruption Commission but not Allah. If they had truly feared Allah, Bangladesh would have made much greater progress."
Reiterating the dangers of intellectual corruption, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat is prepared to build a just, humane, and corruption-free Bangladesh. He called on citizens to stand beside Jamaat to help realize the dream of a prosperous nation.
He added, "Under Jamaat's leadership, Bangladesh will become a humane, justice-based, and corruption-free state."
Addressing the recent anti-fascist movement, he said, "This uprising is not the achievement of any one individual. It has no single mastermind. It was a collective effort, and together we will build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh."
The rally was organized by the Biyanibazar Upazila and Municipal units of Jamaat-e-Islami, with participation from both local and central leaders. A large number of activists joined the event in processions. Leaders from Sylhet district, upazila, and metropolitan Jamaat branches were also present.
