Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said neither he nor his party would engage in corruption or allow anyone else to do so if given the opportunity to govern.
Addressing an election rally in Dinajpur on Friday afternoon, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami would not collect illegal donations and would take a firm stand against graft.
“We will not commit corruption, and we will not allow corruption either,” he told supporters gathered at the historic Gore-e-Shahid Maidan, where he was the chief guest at a joint rally of Jamaat-e-Islami and the 10-party alliance.
The Jamaat Ameer said his party was seeking to build a people-friendly Bangladesh through public participation and transparent governance. He criticised what he described as the misuse of public money and vowed to bring back those who had siphoned off funds abroad.
“We want a Bangladesh where looted money is not used to build ‘Begum Para’ overseas,” he said, adding that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman arrived in Panchagarh from Dhaka at around 11:00 am on Friday, marking the second day of his election campaign. After attending a public meeting there, he travelled to Dinajpur, joining the rally at around 3:30 pm.
Highlighting Dinajpur’s contribution to the national economy, he said the district produces nearly one-third of the country’s food. He pledged to establish modern agriculture-based industries in the region and promised to set up storage facilities for potatoes and litchis to ensure fair prices for farmers.
He also said steps would be taken to upgrade Dinajpur into a city corporation in order to expand civic facilities and improve urban services.
On healthcare, the Jamaat chief said his party would work to establish medical colleges in every district and improve the overall quality of medical services. He also pledged to strengthen educational institutions from the grassroots level and ensure a safe and liveable environment for all citizens.
Referring to women’s safety, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said his party would ensure secure conditions for women both at home and in the workplace. He added that Jamaat-e-Islami aimed to build a humane and enlightened society where justice could not be influenced by money.
“We want a Bangladesh without the clatter of weapons, where people can move freely and safely,” he said, adding that his party would vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum without exception.
The rally was chaired by Dinajpur district Jamaat Ameer Principal Anisur Rahman and conducted by district secretary Muhaddis Dr Enamul Haque. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim also addressed the gathering.
Among others present were Chhatra Shibir central president Nurul Islam Saddam, National Citizens’ Party chief coordinator and 10-party alliance candidate for Dinajpur-5 Dr Abdul Ahad, and several Jamaat candidates contesting seats across the district.
Leaders and activists of the 10-party alliance from all 13 upazilas of Dinajpur district attended the rally.
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