Sylhet: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today stated that the forthcoming elections in February next year must proceed as planned, emphasizing that any conspiracy to undermine the polls would be thwarted by public resistance. He delivered this message during a divisional rally of eight Islamic parties at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jamaat chief Rahman warned, "Anyone who thinks they can foil the next election will be resisted by the people." He further noted that attempts to manipulate the election through an administrative coup, driven by fear of losing public support, are relics of the past. Rahman expressed optimism, referring to the emergence of Bangladesh as a nation guided by the teachings of the holy Quran.
The event also saw participation from chiefs and senior leaders of like-minded Islamic parties. Rahman insisted on liberating Bangladesh from 'looters' and returning it to its patriotic citizens, aligning with the aspirations of the youth behind last year's July Uprising. He cautioned that those opposing this vision would face public disapproval.
Highlighting historical struggles since Bangladesh's independence 54 years ago, Rahman criticized internal exploiters for depleting national resources and fostering a lingering shadow of fascism. He accused successive groups of public extortion and violent actions, calling for unity among Islamic political factions to join their alliance and dispel misconceptions.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Rezaul Karim, known as Charmonai Pir, remarked on the significant public support for the eight-party coalition's five-point demands, evidenced by the massive turnout at divisional gatherings. He lamented the lack of safety for those who suffered on August 5, 2024, and criticized the obstacles hindering reforms and justice.
Charmonai Pir asserted that any national conspiracies would be rejected by the populace. Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque praised the sacrifices of Islamic movement leaders and accused foreign interests of attempting to impose a new form of fascism in Bangladesh, which he vowed would not succeed.
He framed the upcoming election as a referendum on the July Charter's implementation, urging activists to rally public support for a 'Yes' vote in the plebiscite and for alliance candidates. Khelafat Majlis central Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad presided over the rally, with Jamaat's Sylhet City Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Nurul Islam Babul as the moderator.
The event featured speeches from various leaders, including Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Fakhrul Islam, Islami Oikya Jote Ameer Maulana Habibullah Miaji, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon chief Maulana Sarwar Kamal Azizi, JAGPA Vice President Rashed Pradhan, and Bangladesh Development Party President Advocate Anwarul Islam Chan.