'You know you won’t exist after election'
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that Jamaat-e-Islami would "cease to exist" after next year's national election, urging people to remain cautious of their "hypocrisy."He made the remarks today while addressing a views-exchange meeting organised by BNP at Borogao union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila."Jamaat says PR [proportional representation system] must be introduced or elections won't happen. Why are you so afraid of votes? Because you know you won't exist after the...
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that Jamaat-e-Islami would "cease to exist" after next year's national election, urging people to remain cautious of their "hypocrisy."
He made the remarks today while addressing a views-exchange meeting organised by BNP at Borogao union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.
"Jamaat says PR [proportional representation system] must be introduced or elections won't happen. Why are you so afraid of votes? Because you know you won't exist after the election," said Fakhrul.
Claiming that Jamaat is being hypocritical, he said, "This party is loudly claiming they are the only patriotic and honest party. They are even telling our mothers and sisters that they can give tickets to heaven. But heaven's ticket can only be given by Allah and His Prophet (PBUH)… Those who make such claims are misinterpreting Islam."
Mentioning that he does not understand PR, Fakhrul said that people won't accept it. "We have always voted for candidates by their symbols -- sheaf of paddy, boat, or scale. Now, they say we must vote for parties, and that the parties will decide who becomes an MP," he added.
Fakhrul also dismissed NCP, saying, "They claim to be a party, but I don't see them anywhere. They won't get votes. Yet, they echo Jamaat, demanding PR and certificates before elections."
Fakhrul referred to ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, saying that she declared strikes from India. "Those who burn vehicles and destroy property while sitting comfortably in Delhi should not be allowed to return," he said.
Challenging Hasina, he added, "If you have courage, come back to the country. Why are you hiding if you trust the people? We have been to jail; you should, too. Begum Khaleda Zia spent six years in prison. You survive only through terror. People will not forgive Awami League anymore."
He also cautioned the interim government against imposing reforms beyond consensus. "For nine months, you discussed reforms with political parties and reached agreements. If you force anything outside of that, responsibility will be yours. The people will not accept it."
He criticised the government for scrapping plans to recruit music and physical education teachers in primary schools, saying such education is vital for children's development.
Fakhrul urged supporters to seize the opportunity to build a democratic state, as this is a chance to reform education, healthcare, and employment.
He warned that delaying elections would turn Bangladesh into a failed state. "This is my last election. I appeal to you to vote for the sheaf of paddy and give me the chance to serve you."