Shawdesh desk:

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has strongly criticised the former Awami League government, accusing it of prioritising self-interest over national development during the last 15 years.

Speaking at a rally organised by Jamaat-e-Islami in Dumuria upazila’s Atharo Mile area on Thursday morning, he highlighted issues such as unemployment, economic mismanagement, and the erosion of communal harmony under the previous administration.

‘Our country has always been a land of communal harmony, where people of different faiths have lived together peacefully for generations. But the Awami League’s 15-year rule destroyed this unity, focusing on their personal gains instead of national progress,’ he said.

The Jamaat Ameer accused the former government of failing to address economic challenges and depriving citizens of employment opportunities. ‘Instead of creating jobs, they robbed the national resources, leaving millions unemployed. The long queues of jobless people are a stark reminder of their failure,’ he said.

He also criticised the state of education under the Awami League’s rule, alleging that the administration had armed criminals instead of empowering students with education. ‘Pens were snatched from students’ hands and replaced with weapons. Meanwhile, the wealth earned by the hard labor of ordinary people was smuggled abroad by Awami League leaders,’ he said.

Rahman condemned the former administration for what he described as ‘state-sponsored atrocities,’ saying, ‘They committed mass killings, using state-owned weapons to fire on citizens to maintain power. Such actions disqualify them from participating in politics. Even after being ousted by the people, they continue to conspire to destabilise the country.’

He emphasised Jamaat-e-Islami’s vision of building a society free from corruption and oppression. ‘We love this country and want to see it thrive. We aim to establish a society where corruption and exploitation are eradicated, where mothers and sisters can move freely and safely, and where young people can find jobs based on their merit. Justice will be ensured without forcing people to plead at court doors,’ he said.

The rally, organised by Dumuria Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, was attended by prominent leaders, including secretary general Professor Mia Golam Parwar, central organisational secretary and Khulna regional director Muhaddis Abdul Khalek, Central Working Committee member Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Khulna District Ameer Maulana Emran Hussain, and Satkhira District Ameer Maulana Shahidul Islam Mukul.