At Dhaka Rally: Shafique alleges election plot
Staff Reporter :
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Monday accused a group of trying to hijack the election, claiming they were using goons, weapons, and attempting to seize polling centres illegally.
Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing an election rally for Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque, the candidate of the 11-party electoral alliance in Dhaka-13, at the Mohammadpur Central Eidgah ground.
The rally was presided over by Maulana Mahfuzul Haque, chief adviser to Mamunul’s election management committee, and attended by Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate for Dhaka-11, as a special guest.
“Let me make it clear – the July fighters have not fallen asleep.
In sha Allah, we will resist all their misdeeds. Do not dare to snatch people’s votes again,” Shafiqur said, urging supporters to start guarding polling centres immediately to prevent any fraud or manipulation.
He alleged that a particular group was obsessed with securing victory for a party, an individual, or a family.
“People have seen their greed in the past and are still witnessing it. The peace-loving people of Bangladesh will reject them,” he said, adding that voters would choose those who stand for the people and uphold the aspirations of July 2024.
Shafiqur also criticised the Election Commission’s decision to ban mobile phones near polling centres.
“When the movement against injustice and fascism began in July, the internet was shut down to conceal crimes and legitimise killings. Now, we see the EC walking down the same dark path – at whose behest and why?” he questioned.
He further warned against partisan activities by government officials and any attempt to push the country back toward fascism.
“The people’s votes will decide who wins and who loses. Past forgiveness will not be repeated,” he said.
The Jamaat chief also promised that Mamunul Haque would be made a minister if elected.
Ahead of Monday’s Dhaka-13 rally, Jamaat held a series of election gatherings in other constituencies, mobilising supporters and emphasising vigilance to protect the voting process.