Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and head of the 11-party alliance Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday urged voters to entrust the nation’s leadership to young people, promising to provide meaningful work rather than handouts.
Speaking at an election rally in Laxmipur, he stressed that the energy and dedication of youth are key to building a prosperous and capable Bangladesh.
“If people give their sacred and valuable votes to this alliance, we will prevent division in the nation. We will not dwell on old grievances or retreat into the past. We want a progressive Bangladesh that fulfils the dreams of our youth,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman emphasised that unemployment allowances are not the answer. “We will not insult you with handouts. Instead, we will turn your hands into skilled tools, giving every young person dignified work. Each one will proudly say, ‘I am Bangladesh’ and show the world what our country can achieve,” he added.
Paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the July mass Uprising, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “We promised to honour the July warriors and we have kept that promise. It is because of them that I am standing here today and that the upcoming election on 12 February is happening.”
He called it “shameful and unacceptable” that some refuse to acknowledge the contributions of the July warriors.
He also criticised the legacy of old politics, claiming that over the past 54 years it has fostered fascism, undermined people’s rights, and allowed corruption to flourish.
“People have been terrorised by extortion and gun violence. Women’s honour has been violated. Do you want that Bangladesh to return? Do you want corruption and embezzlement of public funds? If you want change, the answer is clear: vote for ‘yes’,” he urged.
The rally was presided over by SUM Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan and attended by notable figures, including Maulana ATM Masum, Dr Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Advocate Atikur Rahman, Sibgatullah Sibga, Abu Shadik Kayem, Ibrahim Roni and Majharul Islam.
.jpg "Former minister, Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed dies")
