Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said that a group of conspirators of attempting to divide the nation along religious lines, exploiting the minority-majority narrative to sow discord.
Speaking at a rally in Dinajpur’s Birganj upazila, he emphasized that no divided nation has ever achieved honor or prosperity, warning that Bangladesh risks falling behind if such schemes are not thwarted.
Dr. Rahman also criticized the government, claiming that in the last 15 and a half years, vast sums of money—amounting to Tk 26 trillion—have been laundered abroad. He accused the ruling party of corruption and questioned the patriotism of those who flee the country with stolen wealth. "Those who love their country never abandon it," he said, adding that Jamaat leaders have faced severe persecution, including the execution of 11 top leaders but none have fled the country.
He called for national unity to counteract what he described as “thousands of conspiracies” against the country and its people. "With the combined strength of 36 crore hands from 18 crore people, we can thwart these schemes," he stated.
The rally, organized by the upazila Jamaat-e-Islami unit, was held at Birganj Government College grounds. It was presided over by local Jamaat leader Qari Azizur Rahman and attended by prominent party figures, including central assistant secretary Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, central executive council member Maulana Momtaz Uddin, and Dinajpur District Ameer Anisur Rahman, among others.
In his address, Dr. Rahman stressed the importance of uprooting corruption and injustice, urging citizens to unite for the betterment of the nation regardless of religion or ethnicity. He called for a renewed focus on education and justice to ensure the country's progress.
Following the rally, Dr. Rahman visited the grave of Maulana Khoda Baks, a former Jamaat leader who recently passed away in a road accident, and met with his family to offer condolences.
Earlier, on Sunday night, the Jamaat chief held a meeting with prominent individuals at Dinajpur Circuit House. He urged attendees to expose corrupt individuals and take a stand against unethical practices. "This country belongs to all of us," he stated, calling for a collective effort to build a nation rooted in justice and integrity.
