Central Executive Council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ATM Azharul Islam has called upon everyone to remain united on the ground to ensure the victory of the daripalla (scale symbol) in the upcoming election in order to build a new Bangladesh free from misrule and bad governance.

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the student, youth and citizens’ rally organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for Dhaka-13 constituency, held today, Friday (28 November) at 3:00 PM at the Mohammadpur Town Hall Shaheed Park field.

The program was presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami's central working committee member and secretary of Dhaka City North Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim. The session was conducted by Dr. Shafiar Rahman, election coordinator of the constituency. The chief speaker was Zahidul Islam, central president of Islami Chhatrashibir, and Mobarak Hossain, central executive council member of Jamaat-e-Islami and the party nominated candidate for Dhaka-13. Among others, member-secretary of the election management committee Abdul Awal Azam and other leaders were present on the occasion.

In his chief guest’s speech, ATM Azharul Islam said that although political opponents label Jamaat as an anti-independence and anti-liberation war force, in reality Jamaat itself is the true pro-liberation force. Even amidst severe oppression and torture, Jamaat leaders did not flee the country — this is the real proof. He said the person who once proudly declared “Sheikh’s daughter does not flee” has now fled the country, proving who in fact stands against independence.

He further said Islam is the only guarantee of this country’s independence, sovereignty, democracy and rule of law. Although the country has run under man-made laws for the past 54 years, the people have not attained liberation. Those who fear Allah alone can establish good governance and welfare. In the past, Jamaat’s ministers and MPs did not commit even a single penny of corruption. Therefore, if Jamaat comes to power in the upcoming election, it will be possible to transform the country into a welfare state.

He said that through the July Revolution, the country has opened the door to new possibilities. But although an electoral atmosphere has been created, conspiracy to sabotage the election still continues. We want the election to be held after a referendum to implement the July Declaration. However, although one side agrees to the referendum, they want it to be held on the same day as the parliamentary election — which may cause disorder. Therefore, the interim government must bear responsibility for any possible disorder. He demanded that a level playing field must be ensured for all.

Chief speaker Zahidul Islam said that although an electoral environment and a mass tide in favor of the daripalla have been created in the country, conspiracies have not stopped. Therefore, all obstacles and barriers must be overcome to ensure the victory of honest and qualified candidates. He called upon everyone to remain united to establish dîn (religion).

Special guest and nominated candidate for Dhaka-13 Mobarak Hossain delivered a long speech highlighting the various problems of one of the busiest and most densely populated areas of the capital.

He said Mohammadpur is a historic and promising area. However, years of unplanned urbanization, traffic congestion, waterlogging, drugs and extortion are harming the lives of ordinary people. Ensuring a safe, clean and orderly residential environment is now the demand of the time.

He further said that alongside development, establishing justice and accountability is essential. If sustainable employment, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth can be ensured, overall social progress will accelerate.

Regarding law and order, Mobarak Hossain said that building a drug-free, terrorism-free and extortion-free Mohammadpur is our commitment. For this, citizens’ cooperation and coordinated administrative efforts are indispensable.

Addressing the youth, he said the youth are the future of the country. Their values, sense of responsibility and creativity can bring positive change in society. Therefore, initiatives must prioritize education, technology and training.

In his presidential speech, Dr. Rezaul Karim said that through long oppression and persecution, a mass tide has been created in favor of Jamaat. This positive environment must be utilized properly to ensure the victory of dîn. He called upon everyone to be ready to make any sacrifice for establishing dîn.

Various leaders at the rally expressed their views on the recent political situation, the electoral environment, and the expectations of the local people.

The event concluded peacefully and was attended by a large number of students, youth and citizens.