KHULNA, June 20: Opposition Leader in Parliament and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, has called for what he described as a new national movement to build a more accountable and sovereign country, urging younger generations to take the lead in confronting corruption and speaking out against political injustice.
Addressing a rally in the south-western city of Khulna on Saturday, the Jamaat chief said the movement would seek to establish a Bangladesh free from corruption, exploitation and political discrimination, rather than advance the interests of any particular political party or family.
“This is not a revolution for any party, individual or external power,” he told supporters gathered at the Khulna Circuit House Ground. “It is a movement to ensure Bangladesh becomes a dignified, strong and sovereign nation.”
The rally was organised by an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami.
Dr Rahman appealed to young Bangladeshis to unite against corruption, extortion and what he described as systemic injustice, presenting the campaign as a broader effort to reform governance and strengthen public accountability.
“We have chosen the democratic path,” he said, adding that Jamaat would continue to raise public concerns in Parliament while maintaining pressure for reforms.
He stressed the importance of protecting Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, warning against what he characterised as undue external influence in the country's domestic affairs.
Speaking on border-related issues, he expressed concern over alleged attempts to push foreign nationals into Bangladesh and praised the role of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in safeguarding the country's territorial integrity.
“We want peaceful relations with all neighbouring countries,” he said. “At the same time, Bangladesh's sovereignty and national interests must be respected.”
The rally was chaired by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and was attended by leaders of several alliance partners, including Mamunul Haque of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Oli Ahmad of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Nasir Uddin Patwary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Sarjis Alam.
Organisers said the gathering was intended to press for political and economic reforms and measures to ease public hardship.
