The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said that there had been discussions recently about whether the Awami League should participate in the elections.
He said: "Elections are meant for those who respect people, love the nation, and consider every inch of the country as a trust. Those who don't believe in these principles have no place in elections. They wreaked havoc during their three illegal terms in power. Since they don't even believe in elections, what election is there for them?"
Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at a workers' conference organized by the district chapter of Jamaat at Nawab Siraj-ud-Dowla Government College grounds in Natore.
The Jamaat ameer further said: "We want the current government to implement the necessary urgent reforms and conduct a fair election, after which they should step aside. In this election, people will choose those they trust, those who will respect and love the citizens, and those who consider the nation's responsibilities as a trust rather than personal privilege. Only such individuals will be elected, who will account for every bit of this trust."
Referring to corruption, he said: "Those who have stolen the country's resources and laundered them abroad, as has been done in the last 15 and a half years, have embezzled Tk26 trillion, according to various reports. This amount is five times the national budget of Bangladesh. People will reject such individuals."
He added: "They called others thieves while in power, but as the saying goes, 'The thief's mother shouts the loudest.' Those who have engaged in corruption, plundered financial institutions, and orchestrated mass robberies will not gain the people's trust."
Urging the government to control prices, Shafiqur Rahman said: "The Awami syndicate is still in place, and a new syndicate has also emerged. However, even syndicate members admit that their dominance has now shifted to new players. Yet, Jamaat-e-Islami does not wish to see old or new syndicates.
"We want to assist the government with all our strength to dismantle these syndicates," he added.
He called on the government to implement necessary reforms and conduct elections without delay.
Additionally, he pledged support to those affected by the July-August unrest and demanded visible government initiatives in this regard.
