Golam Parwar calls voting a sacred obligation

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and ex-MP Mia Golam Parwar on Friday said vote is a sacred trust and must not be handed over to those who betray it.

Addressing a series of ward-level gatherings of voters and representatives across Dumuria Upazila under Khulna-5 constituency, he said voters would share responsibility if their votes empower dishonest people to engage in corruption, extortion and oppression.

“A vote is power. The value of a rickshaw-puller’s vote is equal to that of the President. One vote can make or break victory,” he said.

Parwar urged voters to choose honest, Allah-fearing and principled candidates, saying such choices would bring welfare to people and merit to voters.

He also said that if wrongdoers gain power through votes, they misuse it for looting relief, grains and public resources, and for perpetuating injustice.

Referring to the national parliament, he said the 300 lawmakers enact laws that run the country and decide national leadership.

“If more than half of the House comprises honest and Allah-fearing people, justice-based governance can be established at all levels,” he added.

Parwar was speaking as the chief guest at the day-long gatherings held at Magurkhali, Ula, Maikhali and Bhandarpara and other areas.

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and allied organisations also spoke at the programmes.

The jamaat leader said 12 political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and several Islamic and nationalist groups are contesting the upcoming polls together, alleging that those who ruled the country over the past 54 years failed to deliver corruption-free governance.

Speaking at minority gatherings, he dismissed what he termed “misleading propaganda” that minority rights would be harmed if Jamaat comes to power.

“Islamic governance ensures justice for all--Hindu and Muslim alike,” he said, adding that minorities would freely practice their religion and culture.

The programmes ended with prayers for the country and a call to protect the nation from betrayal and corruption.