Staff Reporter :
Leaders of the eight-party Islamist coalition yesterday declared the upcoming national election a turning point for Bangladesh, urging supporters to mobilise nationwide and vowing that voters will choose what they described as “Islam-minded patriotic forces” to lead the country.
Addressing a large divisional rally at Rangpur’s Collectorate Eidgah, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer A.T.M. Azharul Islam said Bangladesh had suffered from “decades of corruption” under those who held power over the past 54 years.
He alleged that “Tk lakh crore” had been siphoned abroad in the last 15 years, claiming that a corruption-free administration could transform Bangladesh within five years. “If honest leadership is established, Bangladesh will become far more developed than Singapore,” he told the gathering.
Azharul emphasised that the coming election would be “extremely important,” saying:
“A tidal wave of public support is rising through our nationwide tours. We believe the people will choose Islam-minded patriotic forces in the next election.”
Thousands of activists from districts across Rangpur division joined the rally from the morning, swelling the field by early afternoon as the eight alliance partners launched their joint programme.
‘A Battle to Establish Islamic Governance’
In his presidential address, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Mojibur Rahman called on supporters to dedicate themselves to what he described as a religious duty.
“We want welfare in this world and the hereafter,” he said. “For that, we must be ready to sacrifice like Abu Sayeed and Mugdha.”
He urged those “ready to give their lives for establishing Allah’s law” to raise their hands in pledge.
“The second phase of independence has already arrived,” he declared. “Another battle remains — the battle to establish Islam in Bangladesh. We will fight for Qur’anic law.”
Chormonai Pir: ‘Rangpur Must Raise Its Voice’
Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer, Chormonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, speaking as chief guest, launched sharp criticism at political rivals.
“From Rangpur today, we must raise our voice,” he said. “Those who extort, who chase power, who serve foreign masters— they must be rejected and uprooted from the soil of Bengal.”
He said the eight-party coalition has been campaigning on five major demands, including: giving legal effect to the July Charter, allocating upper-house seats based on vote share, and holding a referendum before the national election.
The Pir said people across the country are “counting the days” for the ballot box to arrive.
“The eight parties, which stand for Islam and humanity, are waiting to vote,” he added.
Karim warned that the coalition would not allow a repeat of past abuses.
“Those who looted the nation, who laundered money abroad, who caused mothers to lose their children— their time is over,” he said. “The eight parties will uproot the thugs and fake-currency gangs. Islam will prevail.”
He accused power-hungry factions of ignoring reforms and justice. “They became crazy — even double crazy — to grab power,” he remarked.
Senior Leaders Echo Message of ‘Islamic Victory’
Top leaders from Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Nezam-e-Islam Party, and other coalition partners also addressed the rally, reiterating that the next election will determine whether Bangladesh moves toward what they call a “reformed, Islamic, corruption-free” future.
As the Election Commission prepares to announce the poll schedule, the eight-party coalition’s fiery messaging signals its intention to position the next election as not just a political contest, but a decisive struggle over ideology, governance, and the country’s direction in the coming years.
