Nation won't be allowed to remain divided if 11-party alliance wins: Shafiqur at Lakshmipur rally

The nation will no longer be allowed to remain divided if the people elect the 11-party alliance through their votes, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said today (30 January).

"If people choose the unity of the 11-party alliance with their valuable votes, we will keep our word. First of all, we will not allow the nation to be divided anymore. We want to see a forward-looking Bangladesh built on the dreams of the youth," he said at an election rally at the Adarsha Samad Government High School ground in Lakshmipur this afternoon.

Referring to a political party, the Jamaat ameer alleged that a section was unwilling to acknowledge the July Uprising and was making derogatory remarks about those involved.

"I am astonished and ashamed. Those whose efforts led to release from prison, return to the country and the possibility of elections are now being denied. This is shameful and unacceptable. A person who does not acknowledge favours or show gratitude cannot be a good human being," he said.

The Jamaat chief also accused the BNP of double standards, saying, "On one hand you say you will give family cards to mothers, and on the other hand you raise your hands against those mothers. It is already clear how you view mothers."

Noting that public money had been looted and laundered abroad, he said, "Do you want that Bangladesh again, or do you want change? If you want change, you must cast a 'yes' vote in the referendum. I believe the people of Bangladesh now want change. We have united for that change."

Shafiqur further said Jamaat had kept its word after the July Uprising by not taking revenge against anyone. "Our party members are not extortionists. We do not engage in extortion or corruption. We said we would not resort to case-trading or harass innocent people with false cases, and we have not done so," he claimed.

Addressing the youth, he pledged that they would not be humiliated with unemployment allowances. "We want to turn you into skilled workers and ensure dignified work for everyone."

He added that Jamaat wants to hand over the leadership of the country to the youth, noting that 62% of candidates in the 11-party alliance are young people. "Our message is clear: the future Bangladesh will be a Bangladesh of the youth."

During the rally, he formally handed over election symbols to candidates of four Lakshmipur constituencies.