Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has launched a scathing attack on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the current administration, stating that once called nationalist party is now being called an extortionist party.
Speaking at a massive 11-party alliance rally at Rajshahi's historic Madrasa Ground on Saturday (May 16), he condemned the government's failure to curb nationwide corruption, political encroachment, and extortion.
Reminding the BNP of its past promises, Dr Shafiqur accused its top leaders of failing to fulfill pre-election vows to eradicate corruption. He alleged that since taking power, a festival of graft and forceful political takeover has emerged.
"Your leaders promised to choke corruption, but now justify extortion if it is done through mutual 'understanding.' You were once known as the Nationalist Party; today, the public calls you the extortionist party," he said.
He added that the failure to bring a single extortionist to justice has led the public to believe the entire system is steeped in corruption, warning that placing partisan individuals in the administration over skilled patriots will ultimately backfire on the BNP.
The Jamaat chief also criticized the extreme politicization of the education sector and the banking system. He accused the government of appointing a highly partisan and incompetent individual to lead the sensitive central bank.
Similarly, he condemned the mass removal of competent university vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, and proctors, only to replace them with party loyalists. Highlighting the devastated economy, rising unemployment, and the rampant looting of banks and insurance corporations, he warned that a nation fixated solely on the past cannot move forward.
Shifting his focus to regional diplomacy, Dr Shafiqur delivered a stern message to neighboring India, condemning its communal policies and diplomatic intimidation.
Recalling history, he noted that the first Awami League government allowed a 15-day trial run of the Farakka Barrage, a decision that has persisted for 55 years and turned the Padma River into a desert during the dry season and a source of devastating floods during the monsoon.
While welcoming the current government's announcement to build the Padma Barrage, he demanded the immediate implementation of the Teesta Master Plan.
"We respect our neighbors and do not want communal division there, but Muslims are being harassed, and red eyes are being shown to Bangladesh," Dr. Shafiqur stated.
Invoking historical figures like Titumir and Haji Shariatullah, he cautioned New Delhi that any attempt to destabilize Bangladesh would cost the entire region its peace.
He also vowed to protect Bangladesh's non-communal harmony, stating that if anyone extends a dark hand toward the country, the nation's people will stand united to break it.
Addressing the severe ecological crisis affecting 154 shared rivers, Dr Shafiqur accused government ministers of remaining silent on the Teesta issue out of fear.
He further alleged that the administration has scrapped 16 crucial ordinances necessary for good governance.
Vowing to build pressure on the government, he declared that the 11-party alliance will continue its synchronized movement both in parliament and on the streets to ensure the swift implementation of the recent public referendum.
The divisional rally, which drew top central and local alliance leaders, was chaired by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan.
