'Hand fan' only way out of corruption: Charmonai Pir
The rally was organised in support of Maulana GM Ruhul Amin, party’s candidate for the Gazipur-1 constituency.
The "hand fan", electoral symbol of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, is the only viable alternative to escape from corruption and decades of failed politics, party's Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, popularly known as Pir Saheb Charmonai, said today (30 January).
"The people of Bangladesh have not seen their expectations fulfilled despite following conventional political ideologies for the last 54 years. The core spirit of the Liberation War was equality, human dignity and justice. But those who ruled the country failed to implement even one of these ideals," he made the remarks at an election rally at Konabari College ground in Gazipur city.
The rally was organised in support of Maulana GM Ruhul Amin, party's candidate for the Gazipur-1 constituency.
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Criticising corruption, the party's ameer questioned whether the nation would continue to remain trapped in a cycle of graft.
Referring to Bangladesh's past ranking as one of the world's most corrupt countries, he alleged that public money had been laundered abroad while ordinary citizens were left without security, amid enforced disappearances and killings.
"We no longer want to be misled by hollow development slogans that only destroy the country," he said, adding that those who believe in Islamic principles and human welfare are now uniting under the banner of the "hand fan".
Referring to the political situation following the July Uprising, the Charmonai Pir said the country now stands at a critical juncture. "A historic opportunity has emerged to rebuild the nation. If we fail to utilise it, we will have to regret it," he warned.
He noted that two major alliances are active in the election, one led by BNP and the other by Jamaat-e-Islami, but said neither has clearly committed to governing the country according to Shariah.
"Establishing justice in society is impossible by running the country under conventional systems," he added.
Urging voters in Gazipur-1 to support Islami Andolon, the party chief said a corruption-free and just society could only be achieved by ensuring the victory of candidates contesting with the hand fan symbol.
Leaders of the party from different local units and a large number of supporters were present at the rally.
