Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that if his party is entrusted with forming the next government, it will build a corruption-free nation where no citizen will face extortion or injustice.
"If Allah grants us the responsibility of governing, we will neither collect money from innocent people nor allow anyone to engage in extortion," Dr Shafiqur said while addressing a workers' rally on the Senpara Parbata Eidgah ground in Dhaka's Mirpur-10 area on Friday.
"There will be no bribery in offices or courts. Illegal occupations will not be tolerated. We will uproot corruption from its very roots. We want to see a Bangladesh free from corruption," he declared.
The rally, organised by the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation (Dhaka-15), was attended by Dr Rahman as the chief guest.
The Jamaat chief said his party envisions a society where all 18 crore citizens - regardless of religion, race, or political belief - will enjoy equal civic rights and justice. "No more workers will have to sacrifice their lives on the streets to demand their rightful dues," he said. "If workers receive fair wages for their labour, the owners themselves will ultimately benefit."
Referring to the signing of the July Charter and the protest by the "July Fighters," Dr Shafiqur described it as "a matter of national shame" that the same people who spearheaded the July movement were forced to return to the streets. "I urge the July Fighters-please remain sincere to your responsibilities. We do not want to see you on the streets again," he said.
He, however, noted that many other groups have also taken to the streets with different demands. "Their grievances must be viewed with due respect," he added. "When the whole body is in pain, where will you apply the balm?"
Criticising the prevailing corruption, the Jamaat Ameer said it has spread across every sector of society. "During past fascist regimes, corruption existed, but now it has reached a horrifying level. People have lost peace, security, and dignity," he said. "Extortion has become a daily affair in every corner of the country. This must end - and it can only be done by those who are patient, responsible, and determined to build a new Bangladesh for the people."
