AMTALI, BARGUNA, Feb 6: Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, on Friday said that following the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, a section of people resorted to extortion and attempts to seize control of bus and auto-rickshaw terminals, forcing his party activists to act as volunteers to protect public life and property.
"After the uprising, some groups became involved in extortion and tried to take over bus and tempo stands. At that time, we worked as volunteers to safeguard people's lives and property, including places of worship of minority communities," he said while addressing an election rally at the municipal square in Amtali Upazila around 12:15pm.
Expressing confidence over the electoral outcome, Mufti Rezaul Karim said, "We will secure a decisive victory in the Barguna-1 constituency. Any attempt at vote rigging will be resisted."
He further claimed that public sentiment at both central and grassroots levels was in favour of IAB. "From the voices we are hearing from voters and local leaders, the victory of our Islamic flag will begin from this coastal region," he said.
Criticising rival political parties, he said many parties seek votes with promises of building a 'Sonar Bangla' or a 'Digital Bangladesh' once in power. "If we form the government, we will bring smiles to your faces," he added.
The rally was presided over by Maulana Md Mahmudul Hasan Waliullah, President of IAB Barguna district unit and the party's candidate for Barguna-1 constituency, contesting with the 'hand fan' symbol.
Among others, IAB Presidium Members Prof Ashrab Ali Akon and Prof Mahbubur Rahman, Central Joint Publicity and Dawah Secretary KM Shariatullah, Barguna-2 candidate Mufti Mizanur Rahman Kasemi, Barguna District Secretary Maulana Abdus Shakur, Kuakata-based Islamic scholar Mufti Habibur Rahman Mezbah, journalist Alhaj Md Mosharraf Hossain, Amtali Upazila President Mufti Maulana Md Omar Faruk Jihadi, and upazila Secretary Gazi Md Bayezid also addressed the gathering.
During the programme, Mufti Rezaul Karim formally handed over the party's election symbol, the hand fan, to the two candidates.
