Central Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the party-nominated candidate for Rangpur-2 (Badarganj-Taraganj) constituency ATM Azharul Islam on Tuesday called upon the youth to take the lead in building a corruption-free society to make Bangladesh a happy, prosperous, just and developed country.
"The youth are the driving force of national progress. They can guide the country towards a new path of truth and beauty. Without the patriotism and sincere efforts of the youth, it is not possible to build a developed Bangladesh," he said.
Azharul Islam made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by the Jamaat-e-Islami Youth Unit at Shahapur ground under Badarganj Municipality in Rangpur in the afternoon.
Referring to the July Uprising, he said the nation achieved a 'second independence' through the sacrifices of students and youths and gained a fascist-free Bangladesh.
"I was imprisoned for 14 years under a death sentence in a false case. Following the July Revolution, I was released after receiving a fair trial," he said.
Calling for unity, Azharul Islam urged people of all religions and castes to work together with the youth to build a corruption-free, justice-based society and state to protect the country's independence and sovereignty.
He also sought blessings for success and called on voters to support candidates of the 11-party alliance in the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad election.
"We must move forward in building the country through honest leadership, patriotism and good character, ensuring proper use of public trust for social and state welfare," he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami Badarganj Upazila Ameer Muhammad Kamruzzaman Kabir presided over the rally.
Rangpur District Jamaat Shura Member Shah Mohammad Hannan Khan and Badarganj Upazila Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Shah Mohammad Rustom attended the event as special guests.
Badarganj Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Moulana Minhajul Islam, Rangpur District Youth Unit President Mustaq Ahmed, Islami Chhatra Shibir Rangpur District President Mohammad Firoz Mahmud, Badarganj Upazila Youth Unit President Vice-Principal Mohammad Masud Hasan Rana, and Islami Chhatra Shibir Badarganj Upazila President Mohammad Mujahidul Islam, among others, also spoke on the occasion.