The Jamaat Ameer directly described the election as a “referendum”, emphasising the establishment of justice and the eradication of extortion.
On the issue of women’s dignity, Tarique Rahman spoke about ensuring women’s economic self-reliance, while Shafiqur Rahman placed the highest importance on their security and honour.
While Tarique Rahman criticised dependence on “Delhi, Pindi or any other country” in foreign policy, Shafiqur Rahman articulated his party’s position against what he termed “hegemonism”.
An analysis of Shafiqur Rahman’s speeches at five rallies over the past two days shows that he addressed both national politics and local issues in a clear and forceful manner.
In Mirpur, he highlighted specific local problems related to education, healthcare, infrastructure and the gas crisis, and promised solutions.
At the Panchagarh rally yesterday, Friday the Jamaat Ameer pledged to transform northern Bangladesh into a “capital of agriculture-based industry”.
Even before the official start of the election campaign, BNP accused Jamaat of deploying female activists to go door to door to mislead women voters, collect National Identity (NID) cards, and gather mobile phone numbers.
As a result, Jamaat’s female activists were blocked in several areas, and in some cases were attacked.