Cumilla division will be named 'Cumilla', vows Jamaat ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has reaffirmed that if elected, his party will ensure the long-awaited division is established specifically under the name "Cumilla."

Speaking at Jamaat's second election rally in Cumilla district, held at the Town Hall ground tonight (30 January), he said, "I am speaking before you [people] again after a long year. Standing here at this same venue, I previously spoke about the Cumilla division. Since I have given my word, I will implement it if elected."

"Regardless of how many divisions the country needs, the division here will be named 'Cumilla'," he added.

Photo: TBS

Shafiqur Rahman also pledged to eliminate extortion if Jamaat comes to power, claiming that people from footpath traders to industrialists are currently unable to live in peace due to extortionists. "Extortion is even more disgraceful than begging. Jamaat would ensure dignified employment opportunities instead."

Addressing women and families of martyrs, Shafiqur urged them not to be afraid and warned against any violence targeting women. He also criticised what he described as attempts to harass or bully mothers of martyrs, calling such acts morally unacceptable.

Referring to BNP, he cautioned the party not to turn from victims into oppressors, warning that voters would respond at the ballot box on 12 February. He also criticised dynastic politics, saying the culture of inherited power had pushed the country towards fascism.

"We do not want a return to fascism. We want leadership based on merit," he said, adding that Jamaat believes even the son of a rickshaw puller should be able to rise to leadership if he has ability and patriotism.