Jamaat Chief Calls for Uprising Against Corruption, System

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman addresses the party’s first national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka today (19 July).

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has announced a fresh movement aimed at ending corruption and replacing what he described as the country’s “decayed and unsustainable” political system.

Addressing a large rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday, Rahman said Bangladesh could no longer survive under its current governance and must adopt a system based on justice, transparency, and accountability.

Despite collapsing twice on stage due to illness, Rahman completed his speech while seated, vowing to lead a new phase of political struggle following last year’s anti-fascism campaign. “We will fight together with the strength of the youth to build a new Bangladesh,” he said, calling on students, workers, businesspeople, mothers, and the elderly to join the movement.

Rahman pledged a strict anti-corruption stance if his party comes to power. He promised that no Jamaat MP or minister would accept government plots, duty-free vehicles, or manage public funds personally. “Every taka allocated must be transparently reported to the 180 million people of this country,” he said.

Vowing zero tolerance for bribery and extortion, he called for a political culture grounded in humility and public service. “If arrogance or intolerance takes root within us, then fascism will return in a new form,” he cautioned.

The Jamaat chief honoured victims of past political violence, including those killed during the October 28, 2006 incident, the Shapla Square crackdown, and the 2024 protests. He paid special tribute to slain student activist Abu Sayeed, calling his death a catalyst in the political awakening.

“If the old system stays, why did so many give their lives? Bring them back if you can. You cannot. That is why we must build a new Bangladesh,” Rahman declared.

Stating that his struggle was personal as well as political, he said, “I am here for the liberation of every child, youth, mother, and elder of this country.” Expressing regret for not being among the martyrs of past movements, he ended with a prayer: “May Allah accept me as a martyr in the coming struggle for justice.”

Despite his fragile health, Rahman’s address drew strong support from thousands in attendance. He concluded his speech with the religious slogan “Naraye Taqbir” and a vow: “My death will not come a second before Allah wills it. Until then, I will continue to fight for the people of Bangladesh.”