Second uprising, this time against corruption: Jamaat chief

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today said last year's struggle was to eliminate "fascism" from the country, but this time there will be another struggle -- against corruption and extortion.

"How will the future Bangladesh look like? 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 with people's love, Jamaat is elected to form the government, none of its MPs or ministers 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 work, they will be obligated to report the expenditure to every one of the 180 million citizens of Bangladesh once the task is complete," he added.

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

Shafiqur said he comes before people today not as the Jamaat chief, 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 sudden bout of illness for which he collapsed twice on stage during 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 chief 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."

Shafiqur called upon all sectors of society -- children, youth, 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 saying, "Naraye Taqbir".