Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued a stern warning to anyone plotting to interfere with the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, asserting that the youth who toppled an "authoritarian regime" in 2024 remain vigilant and ready to defend the people's mandate.
Addressing a massive electoral rally at Laksam Stadium in Cumilla on Friday evening, the party chief declared that any attempt to manipulate the vote would face a fierce response from the younger generation.
"Remember, the brave sons of this soil who ousted the Himalayan-sized fascism in July have not gone to sleep. They are still awake," Dr. Rahman told the crowd.
He warned that if anyone thinks of usurping the people's vote, the youth will "roar like lions," and those responsible "will not be able to withstand the lion's strike." He emphasized that the era of "casting others' votes" is over, defining the essence of democracy as the freedom for every citizen to vote for their own chosen candidate without interference.
Addressing the issue of social unrest, Dr. Rahman outlined a unique approach to ending extortion (chandabaji), which he claimed has plagued the nation from street beggars to industrialists. Rather than seeking retribution, he offered a "rehabilitation" plea to those involved in such crimes.
"We will not help extortionists with more money; instead, we invite them to return to the right path," he said, promising that if they abandon their illegal ways, the party is willing to share its own resources to ensure they do not go hungry. He pledged to provide them with education and vocational training to transform them into "architects of the nation."
The Jamaat Ameer reiterated his stance against unemployment allowances, arguing that such handouts disrespect the dignity of the youth who fought for their rights.
He promised to focus on creating merit-based employment opportunities so that every young person can proudly contribute to the country's growth.
Furthermore, he envisioned a Bangladesh where Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians live harmoniously "like a flower garden," with the state ensuring justice and rights for all based on merit and patriotism rather than political or religious identity.
The rally, presided over by Cumilla-9 candidate Dr. Syed AKM Sarwar Uddin Siddiqui, was attended by a high-profile delegation including Jamaat Naib-e-Ameer and Cumilla-11 candidate Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, Assistant Secretary General ATM Masum, and National Citizen Party South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah (Cumilla-4 candidate).
