Jamaat-e-Islami is most persecuted party, claims Shafiqur Rahman

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman labeled his organization the "most persecuted political party" in the country’s history, claiming that 11 top leaders were executed and 1,000 activists were killed without trial for their commitment to establishing "the laws of Allah."

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an election rally at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa field on Saturday.

Shafiqur detailed the heavy toll the party has faced, alleging that 5,000 colleagues were permanently crippled and 5 million followers—ranging from children to the elderly—faced legal harassment and repeated imprisonments.

Reflecting on the political transition of August 5, 2024, Shafiqur noted that the party chose gratitude over vengeance, opting for prayer instead of retaliatory violence.

He issued a stern warning against systemic corruption, promising that if Jamaat is entrusted with governing the nation, extortion and bribery would be eradicated from all public offices. "Not an inch of this land will be subject to extortion," he declared, emphasizing that the party intends to serve as "guards" of the people rather than their masters.

Addressing the issue of financial crimes, the Jamaat chief criticized the last 54 years of governance, alleging that national wealth has been systematically looted and laundered abroad. 

He vowed to recover stolen assets for the public, stating that those responsible for capital flight would be held accountable with the utmost severity.

Focusing on local grievances, Shafiqur highlighted the paradox of Sylhet being a resource-rich and expatriate-heavy region while suffering from severe neglect. 

He pledged to resolve the city's drainage and waterlogging issues, stabilize gas and electricity supplies, and combat the local drug and terror trade. Key promises included the full modernization of Osmani International Airport and the repatriation of expatriates' remains at government expense.

The Ameer also committed to taking state responsibility for tea garden workers and restoring the Surma and Kushiyara rivers to their former health. 

The rally, presided over by Sylhet Metropolitan Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul Islam, concluded with Rahman formally handing over symbols to candidates of the Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance.