We are oppressed, never will be oppressors Dr Shafiqur Rahman

Staff Reporter :

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said they are the oppressed and they will never be oppressors.

He said the people of Bangladesh do not want to see another corrupt government or what he described as the return of fascism, arguing that the country needs to move toward a humane state founded on justice and accountability.

Addressing an election rally in the Cumilla-11 (Chauddagram) constituency, Dr Rahman said public sentiment has shifted decisively against misrule, corruption and authoritarian practices.

“We no longer want fascism, corruption and misrule in this country,” he told the gathering. “The people want a humane Bangladesh founded on justice.”

The rally was organised in support of Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, who is contesting the seat in the upcoming parliamentary election.

Dr Rahman attended the event as the chief guest, with party leaders and activists from the constituency and surrounding areas present.

Framing the election as a broader struggle rather than a contest for partisan power, Dr Rahman said the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance was not seeking victory for any single party but for the people of the country as a whole.

He argued that the alliance’s goal was to establish governance based on fairness, accountability and the rule of law.

The Jamaat chief reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption if his party were to come to power, listing extortion, bank looting and stock market manipulation as practices that would be targeted.

“All forms of corruption will be uprooted,” he said, adding that those unwilling to reform would be dealt with strictly under the law.

“There will be no immunity for anyone,” Dr Rahman said, underscoring that accountability would apply across the board.

The Cumilla-11 contest is one of several closely watched races as parties campaign ahead of the election, with issues of governance, corruption and democratic norms featuring prominently in public rallies and political speeches across the country.

Referring to violence against women, Shafiqur questioned whether the country could be safe in the hands of those who assault women.

He warned that any renewed violence against women will not go unanswered. “If women are assaulted again, responding will become a moral obligation,” he said.

Shafiqur warned against trivialising the significance of July, saying the month symbolises a vigilant generation determined to bring change.

“Many of you are speaking lightly about July. Do not underestimate it. Remember, the youth of July have not slept,” he added.

He said the people of Bangladesh want change and are looking forward to it from 13 February, the day after the election.

“We do not want another form of fascism in this country.”

Rejecting any form of external dominance, he said the fate of Bangladesh will be decided solely by its people.

“InshaAllah, we will build a humane Bangladesh envisioned by Shaheed Osman Hadi,” he added.

National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam, who also spoke at the rally, said the election is a continuation of the July Uprising.

“It is through the sacrifices and bloodshed of thousands of martyrs that we are now able to move towards democracy through an election,” he said.

Nahid said only the people of Bangladesh have the authority to determine who forms government.

“If any hegemonic force attempts to interfere in this election, the people of Bangladesh will stand united against it,” he added.