Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said the era of intimidating voters and stripping people of their voting rights has come to an end, urging citizens to resist any attempt to seize polling centres through force.

“If anyone tries to occupy polling stations by muscle power, they must be firmly resisted with public support,” Rahman said. “Standing for justice is not a crime. If cases are filed, tell them to file them in my name. The days of scaring people and denying them their right to vote are over.”

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a public rally of the 11-party electoral alliance at Jhalakathi Government High School ground around 2:00 pm on Friday. At the end of his speech, Rahman formally introduced Jamaat-nominated candidates for the Jhalakathi-1 and Jhalakathi-2 constituencies and handed over party symbols to them.

Speaking on governance, the Jamaat leader said corruption, extortion, tender manipulation, and illegal land occupation would no longer be tolerated. He claimed that during the previous regime, an estimated Tk 28 trillion was siphoned off abroad, calling it public money that rightfully belongs to the people.

“We will launch a state-backed effort to recover this money,” he said. “No corrupt individual will be spared, regardless of how far we have to go to bring back the country’s stolen wealth.”

Rahman also referred to the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, calling him the pride of Jhalakathi and a courageous voice of protest. He said Hadi represented the aspirations of the entire nation, not any single group or party.

“He dreamed of a Bangladesh free from domination and a state built on equality and justice,” Rahman said. “He gave his life fighting for that vision. If we form a government, justice for his killing will be ensured.”

Criticising the country’s justice system, the Jamaat Ameer said fairness has been replaced by injustice, leaving the poor and oppressed without redress. He pledged to dismantle what he described as a culture of injustice if his party comes to power.

On the role of the security forces, Rahman said members of the army, police, and other services often risk their lives to protect national sovereignty but are frequently denied proper recognition.

“If we form a government, we will ensure dignity, respect, and fair treatment for all members of the security forces so they can serve the nation with confidence and integrity,” he said.

Addressing women’s safety, Rahman said Jamaat envisions a Bangladesh where women can move freely and safely at home, in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions.

“This is not mere political rhetoric,” he said. “It is a core part of Jamaat-e-Islami’s vision of the state.”

The rally was chaired by district Jamaat Ameer Hafizur Rahman. Among the speakers were National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Member Secretary Mahmuda Mitu, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Moazzem Hossain Helal, and alliance candidates SM Neyamul Karim and Faizul Haque.

Later in the afternoon, Rahman addressed another rally at Pirojpur Government High School ground, where he introduced alliance-backed candidates for three constituencies in the district.

“There will be no return to the voting culture of the past,” he said. “You will cast your own vote, and I will cast mine. The practice of voting on behalf of others is over. If anyone attempts vote rigging or manipulation—no matter how powerful—they will be resisted.”

On youth employment, Rahman rejected the idea of unemployment allowances, saying young people want jobs, not handouts.

“We will put work in the hands of the youth,” he said. “Providing allowances is an insult to their dignity. We promise that jobs will be assigned based on ability, not gender, caste, or religion.”

He also said wage equality across all professions may not be possible, but the government would ensure fair compensation based on responsibility and merit so workers can live with dignity and serve the country to the best of their abilities.

Calling for national unity, Rahman urged citizens to move beyond past divisions.

“Our slogan is ‘United Nation, United Bangladesh,’” he said. “We will not allow anyone to divide this country again. The coming votes are for freedom, justice, and a new Bangladesh. With the will of the people, this country will enter a new chapter.”