No extortion or corruption if Jamaat voted to power: Shafiqur at Suhrawardy rally
Mujibism must be crushed, NCP’s Sarjis tells rally
Highlights:
- Jamaat calls for PR system for next election
- Demands reforms and level playing field before polls
- Wants justice for Paltan, Shapla Chattar, Pilkhana, and July killings
- BNP not invited as it doesn't support PR system
- NCP, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Hefazat join the rally
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday vowed to establish a corruption-free Bangladesh if voted into power, as the party held its first-ever solo national rally at Dhaka's historic Suhrawardy Udyan.
"We will not accept extortion. We will not engage in corruption. And we will not tolerate it," declared Shafiqur, addressing a massive crowd.
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He pledged that no MP or minister under a Jamaat-led government would accept government plots, use tax-exempt vehicles, or personally handle public funds. "Every single taka allocated to public representatives will be transparently accounted for before the people."
The Jamaat chief collapsed twice during his speech and was later hospitalised. According to the party, Shafiqur's physical condition was stable, as his blood pressure and sugar levels were under control.
Before being taken off the stage, Shafiqur told the rally: "I have not come as an ameer," he said, "but as a brother to 180 million people – to the youth, the workers, the farmers, the cleaners, and the tea garden labourers. I speak not for the privileged, but for the people."
He expressed regret that he was not among those martyred during the 2024 uprising. "May Allah accept me as a martyr in the struggle to build a just country," he prayed.
He demanded trials for those responsible for the Paltan, Shapla Chattar, and Pilkhana massacres, as well as the July 2024 killings, saying, "Bangladesh cannot move forward without visible justice."
While Jamaat has previously joined Suhrawardy rallies as part of BNP-led alliances, this was its first major solo event at the site. Notably, the BNP was not invited; Jamaat leaders said only parties supporting proportional representation (PR) were included.
Suhrawardy Udyan turned into a sea of people, with Jamaat claiming over one million attendees – the largest political gathering in its history – after nearly a month of preparation.
The rally, billed as a projection of strength, marked Jamaat's effort to distance itself from the BNP and position itself as a central force in the political landscape.
The venue was awash in Jamaat colours, as tens of thousands arrived by bus, train, and launch. Over 6,000 volunteers handled logistics, provided medical care, and maintained crowd control.
Despite the rally's scale, traffic disruptions around Shahbagh, Karwan Bazar, Matsya Bhaban, and Banglamotor were moderate, aided by volunteer efforts. Participants distributed food and water, while several medical booths treated those affected by the heat.
The rally was organised to press a seven-point demand, including guaranteeing a level playing field for free, fair elections; justice for all victims of July killings; necessary reforms; implementation of the July Charter; rehabilitation of families of those martyred or injured during the July uprising; holding national elections under the proportional representation system; and enabling over one crore expatriates to vote.
After the fall of Awami League on 5 August last year, the Islami Andolon Bangladesh held a grand rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on 28 June. Earlier, on 3 May, Hefazat-e-Islam staged a gathering at the same venue to press home its four-point demands. On 12 April, the "March for Gaza" rally was held there.
Call for PR system
Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher called the PR system the only viable electoral solution in the current context. "Today's crowd proves the people are ready to reclaim their rights. The July Charter must be declared," he said.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar declared, "This is a storm of protest against injustice. Jamaat is the most persecuted party in the country. We demand the next election be held under a PR system."
Dhaka North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin warned that any attempt to manipulate polls would be met with resistance from the July movement's participants.
Dhaka South chief Nurul Islam Bulbul added, "Without a level playing field, there will be no people's participation. PR elections are the only way forward."
Family members demand justice
Relatives of those killed in the 2024 uprising gave emotional addresses at the rally.
The general secretary of the July Victims' Family Society asked, "If 2,000 policemen were involved in 2,000 killings, why has no one been arrested?"
Md Ramzan Ali, elder brother of Abu Sayed, said, "Have we been able to hold such a rally in recent years? If we cannot restore this environment in the country, then give our brothers back. We demand justice for our martyred siblings before the upcoming election."
Barkatullah, father of Abrar, said, "We've seen no real trial in five years. Our children's blood must not go in vain."
Mujibism must be crushed: Sarjis
NCP North unit organiser Sarjis Alam called for the "eradication of Mujibism" and the trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. "We must protect the freedom we earned on August 5," he said, referring to last year's fall of the Awami League government.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain urged the declaration of the July Charter and called for unity among nationalist and Islamic forces.
Gono Odhikar Parishad's Nurul Haque Nur demanded transparent elections, revival of student union polls, and a collective announcement of the Charter from Suhrawardy Udyan.
Also speaking at the event were leaders from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, and Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance.
BNP sidelined
The BNP confirmed it had not been invited. "Even if we were, we wouldn't have gone," said BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed. A senior Jamaat leader told reporters, "Inviting BNP would have been uncomfortable for both sides."
With the Awami League banned, political observers believe Jamaat is eyeing at least a close fight against the BNP.
A recent Sanem study shows BNP leading with 38.76% projected youth support, followed by Jamaat with 21.45% and NCP at 15.84% – hinting that a united Islamist bloc including NCP as a force that could pose a real challenge for the BNP in the next election.
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the Ibne Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi to see Shafiqur to inquire about his condition. Shafiqur was later released from hospital.
