'Feb 13 will mark birth of a New Bangladesh'

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said February 13 would mark the birth of a "New Bangladesh", one that would not be larger or smaller than the present country but would undergo a fundamental change in character to become a welfare-oriented state.

"The size of Bangladesh will remain the same, but its character will change. This will be a welfare-based Bangladesh," he told an election rally at the RC College ground in Hijla-Mehendiganj constituency of Barisal on Friday ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections, BSS reports.

The Jamaat ameer said justice would be ensured equally for all, regardless of position or power. 

"For the same crime for which an ordinary citizen would be tried and punished, even if the president or the prime minister commits it, they will not be shown any leniency. They, too, will be brought under the purview of justice," he said.

Dr Shafiqur said Jamaat-e-Islami is committed to eradicating corruption at its roots. 

"We will not pull at the leaves or branches of corruption; we will grab corruption by the neck," he said, adding that the party would work to serve the people by standing beside them.

"The first vote on February 12 will be a public referendum, and I call upon everyone to vote 'yes'," he said.

The Jamaat ameer said Jamaat-e-Islami has been striving to reorganize and strengthen the party. "If given the opportunity, we will repay the trust of all. We will continue our efforts with our lives and souls," he said.

Later, Jamaat ameer introduced the candidates of the five parliamentary constituencies of Barisal to voters and party activists. 

Among others, 11-party alliance candidate for Barisal-3 constituency and AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad were present at the program.