Jhalakathi, Feb 05 (V7N) - Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim on Thursday said his party has entered the electoral race independently, relying on the support of patriotic and Islam-loving citizens who, he claimed, are keen to vote for the ‘Handshake’ symbol.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at the Jhalakathi Central Eidgah ground in the afternoon as the chief guest.

Mufti Rezaul Karim said the core objectives of the Liberation War were equality, social dignity and justice, but alleged that successive governments since independence failed to realize those goals. Instead, he claimed, corruption, looting and money laundering had pushed the country towards crisis, with large sums of money allegedly transferred abroad.

He stated that Islami Andolan Bangladesh aims to strengthen public support for Islamic values through the ballot box, adding that although several parties are active in the political arena, many have not taken a clear stance in favor of implementing Islamic principles.

Criticizing other political groups, he alleged that they have avoided clear commitments on the role of Islam in governance. In contrast, he said, Islami Andolan Bangladesh has explicitly pledged in its manifesto to prioritize Sharia-based governance.

Referring to recent efforts at unity among Islamic parties, Mufti Rezaul Karim said initiatives were taken after August 5, 2024, but claimed that disagreements and what he described as power ambitions caused divisions.

He expressed confidence that even without forming alliances, his party is not isolated, asserting that public support and faith remain its strength. He reiterated that many voters are waiting to vote for the ‘Handshake’ symbol in the upcoming election.

During the rally, he also introduced Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidates for Jhalakathi-1 and Jhalakathi-2 constituencies.

Central Presidium Member Professor Ashraf Ali Akon addressed the gathering as a special guest, while party candidates Maulana Sirajul Islam Siraji and Maulana Ibrahim Al Hadi also spoke. The rally was presided over by Jhalakathi District Islami Andolan Bangladesh President Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, with district and upazila-level leaders and activists in attendance.

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