Staff Correspondent:

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said last year’s struggle was to eliminate “fascism” from the country, and this time there will be another struggle — against corruption and extortion.

“How will the next Bangladesh be? There will be another fight. One was against fascism. Another will be against corruption. We will do whatever is necessary and win that fight collectively by uniting the strength of the youth to root out corruption,” said Shafiqur while addressing the party’s grand rally at the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan.

“If, by the will of Allah and people’s love, Jamaat MPs are elected and form the government, no MP or minister will accept government plots. No MP or minister will ride tax-free vehicles. No MP or minister will handle money themselves.

“If any MP or minister receives funds for specific works, they must report the expenditure to all 180 million citizens of Bangladesh once the task is complete,” he added.

He further said, “We will not take extortion, we will not commit corruption, and we will not allow others to do so either. We will not tolerate corruption. This is the Bangladesh we want to see.”

Shafiqur said he comes before people on Saturday not as Jamaat’s ameer, but as one of the 180 million people of Bangladesh. “I am a friend to the children, a brother to the youth, a comrade to the elderly, and a brother to my sisters. I am here for their liberation.”

Referring to the physical hardship he endured while attending the rally, he said, “Even though my body did not cooperate temporarily, it was Allah’s will that I could still speak. I want to make it clear — our struggle is not for the freedom of a particular class. I am here on behalf of street cleaners, tea garden workers, rickshaw pullers, and farmers.”

Shafiqur also expressed regret that he could not be among those who were martyred during the struggle of 2024. “I wish I could have been one of them. Please pray that in the upcoming struggle for justice, Allah accepts me as a martyr.”

He demanded justice for all political killings including the 28 October 2006 incidents, the Paltan killings, Shapla killings, the nationwide crackdowns, the Pilkhana carnage, and the 2024 killings.”There will be no stability in this country without visible steps towards ensuring justice for these incidents. These people did not sacrifice their lives for nothing,” Shafiqur said.

Challenging the existing state system, the Jamaat ameer said, “If the old system is to remain, then why did they give their lives? Bring their lives back if you can. You can’t. Therefore, a new system and a new Bangladesh must be built.”

Shafiqir called upon all sectors of society — children, youths, mothers, sisters, workers, students, and businessmen — to unite in building a new Bangladesh that can provide safety, dignity, and justice for all.

“My death will not come one second earlier than what Allah has ordained. May Allah accept your sacrifices and reward you both in this world and the hereafter,” he said.

He ended his speech with the slogan of “Naraye Taqbir”.