Jamaat chief vows youth employment, industrial revival in Khulna if voted to power
The Jamaat ameer also expressed deep concern over election-related violence across the country
Expressing concern over the decline of industry and agriculture in Khulna, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has said the closure of factories and mills is the result of "wrong policies and looting" by previous governments.
He promised that if Jamaat is voted to power, new factories will be established and closed mills reopened.
Speaking at an election rally at the historic Circuit House Ground in Khulna today (27 January), Shafiqur also focused on youth employment.
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"We do not want to insult the youth by giving them unemployment allowances. We want to provide them work and honour their contributions," he said, referring to the youth's role in the July Revolution.
The Jamaat ameer also expressed deep concern over election-related violence across the country.
"One party is distributing family cards on one side while attacking mothers and sisters on the other," he said, calling on those involved in such incidents to apologise.
He added, "Have faith in the verdict of the people. Those who ignored it in the past did not have a good outcome."
Addressing the crowd, he urged voters to safeguard democratic rights.
"You will be the guardians of every man and woman's right to vote. Vote wherever you want, but ensure every voter reaches the polling station. On 13 February, I want a Bangladesh free from curses," he said.
Speaking as a special guest, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, "Many are trying to come to power through terror, rumours, and lies. People no longer want those who rely on corruption, extortion, and interference in the judicial system to lead the country."
Porwar outlined Jamaat's development plans for Khulna, pledging that under Shafiqur Rahman's leadership, the party will form a "humane Bangladesh."
He promised eliminating waterlogging in the region, modernising specialised hospitals, reopening closed mills, supplying gas through pipelines, establishing a modern airport in Khulna, and developing tourism centered on the World Heritage Sundarbans.
