KHULNA, Feb 8: Ameer-e-Majlis of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Maulana Mamunul Haque on Sunday said that forces associated with corruption, looting and violence are attempting to become active again in the country's politics.
He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Swadhinata Chattar in Dumuria Upazila in support of Mia Golam Parwar, the Khulna-5 constituency candidate nominated by the 11-Party Alliance.
Mamunul Haque alleged that although farmers, workers, labourers, entrepreneurs and expatriates collectively keep the economy running, corruption has hindered the country's expected development.
He said that despite 54 years of independence, no qualitative change has occurred in the country's economic structure, claiming that national wealth is being siphoned off abroad.
The Khelafat Majlis leader said people no longer want corrupt groups in power and urged voters to support the 11-party electoral alliance. Expressing optimism, he said a mass public wave has emerged across the country and hoped that change would come through the ballot on February 12.
Criticising the post-independence political situation, he said that while independence was achieved in 1971, people's aspirations remain unfulfilled. He alleged that rights to food and vote have been curtailed and that a culture of repression has developed.
Referring to recent movements, he said the collective struggles of students and the public have reflected demands for change, adding that many people have sacrificed their lives seeking a rights-based state system.
He expressed hope that the upcoming election would mark a new chapter in the country's history and lead to the end of corruption and violence.
The rally was presided over by Dumuria Upazila Khelafat Majlis President Mufti Abdul Qaiyum Joyadder.
Among others present were Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Bangladesh Mosque Mission Secretary Maulana Khalilur Rahman Madani, Jamaat leader Maulana Imran Hossain, DUCSU Executive Member Sarbamitra Chakma, Khelafat Majlis Khulna District President Hafez Maulana Saidur Rahman and Hindu Committee Dumuria Upazila Secretary Deb Prasad Mondal.
