Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for corruption to be fully eradicated, warning that tackling only its “leaves or branches” would be insufficient.

He stressed the need for removing corruption from its roots to ensure good governance and accountability in Bangladesh.

Speaking at an election rally at Mehendiganj Government RC College ground in Barishal on Friday morning, Dr Shafiqur Rahman criticised the current legal system, saying it is “unjust that big corrupt individuals remain outside the law while small offenders are punished.”

He said if Jamaat were entrusted with running the country, it would neither engage in extortion nor allow others to do so.

The Jamaat chief highlighted his party’s commitment to the principles of the July Revolution, stating, “If Allah gives us the opportunity to run the country, we will ensure that everyone receives their rightful share. Laundered money will be recovered, as economic challenges will be a major concern.”

He also pledged to prioritise economic development and improvements in communication infrastructure in the historically neglected Hijla–Mehendiganj area.

Referring to a hacking incident involving his X (formerly Twitter) account, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “A missile was fired at me, but it hit them instead. Truth can never be suppressed. We do not want politics that creates extortionists, murderers and looters.”

He also called for a change, saying, “I have protected the party for a long time. If given the chance, I will now protect the country.”

Although the rally was scheduled to begin at 11:00 am, Dr Shafiqur Rahman arrived an hour early, with the ground already filled with supporters. The event was presided over by Maulana Shahidul Islam, Ameer of Mehendiganj Upazila Jamaat.

Other speakers included Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal; Barishal Regional Team Member AKM Fakhruddin Khan Raji; Barishal District Ameer and Barishal-4 constituency candidate Professor Abdul Jabbar; AB Party General Secretary and Barishal-3 candidate Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad; District Jamaat Secretary and Barishal-6 candidate Maulana Mahmudunnabi Talukder; Barishal-2 candidate and District Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Master Abdul Mannan; and Barishal-1 candidate Maulana Qamrul Islam Khan.