Govt crossed limits with arrangements over Tarique's return, claims Jamaat's Dhaka-17 candidate

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate SM Khaliduzzaman, contesting from the Dhaka-17 constituency against Tarique Rahman, criticised the interim government, alleging that it went overboard in making arrangements for the BNP acting chairman's return home.

Speaking to reporters at the Returning Officer's Office at Segunbagicha around noon today (3 January), he said his nomination has been declared valid, and he feels no challenge in facing Tarique in the polls.

"I feel no challenge whatsoever in contesting against Tarique Rahman. Jamaat holds the top position in popularity in this constituency," he added.

Regarding Tarique's return arrangements, he said, "Unfortunately, we are astonished by the actions of this country's government and administration in favour of a single citizen. They are going to excessive lengths to appease him following his return, which is embarrassing for us. While security arrangements are, of course, necessary, there must be reasonable limits."

"We do not expect the government to do anything for anyone in excess. I urge them to stay within state limitations and the law," he opined.

Khaliduzzaman alleged that over the past 15-20 years, some brown-nosing elements have been created in the state machinery who are trying to destroy the election environment. "We have seen thousands of crores in loan defaulters getting valid nominations in various institutions.

"Those fascists created within the government are dreaming of restarting their agenda with renewed enthusiasm."

"If we [Jamaat] come to power, we will completely dismantle this fascism factory. We want to uproot these brown-nosing elements," he said.