MT Desk: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman issued a stinging rebuke to political rivals on Saturday, asserting that those who remained in hiding for years have no moral ground to question the visibility of the oppressed.

Speaking at a massive electoral rally in Dhaka`s Keraniganj, Shafiqur urged critics to "look in the mirror" rather than pointing fingers at others, in an apparent response to recent comments labeling certain political actors as "gupto" (roughly translating to hidden in English) forces.

Dr. Shafiqur argued that there is no limit to the accusations being leveled by opponents regarding who was active or latent during the previous regime.

He contended that those now casting aspersions were themselves absent from the public eye for years, while his party remained with the persecuted.

He emphasized that attempting to obstruct the forward march of the nation would be futile.

A significant portion of the Jamaat chief`s address focused on the upcoming February 12 referendum regarding the "July Charter" reforms.

He accused certain parties of consistent obstructionism, noting that they initially opposed the referendum entirely before agreeing to hold it concurrently with the general election under public pressure.

Shafiqur claimed that these groups are now only endorsing a "Yes" vote because they have been cornered by the people`s demand for a clear stance between a new Bangladesh and the old fascist order.

He described this reversal as a result of inevitable public pressure, stating that when the nation pushes for accountability, it does not relent.

Shafiqur stressed that the very existence of the upcoming 2026 election is a direct result of the July Revolution; without it, the country would have remained under autocratic rule until 2029.

He declared it unacceptable for politicians to reap the benefits of the 2026 polls while disrespecting the aspirations of the July movement.

He also criticized those who once refused to recognize the uprising but are now claiming to be its "masterminds," terming such behavior a deception against the public.

Outlining his party’s vision, the Jamaat Amir pledged to establish a justice-based state free from corruption, extortion, and the culture of enforced disappearances and secret prisons, often referred to as "Ayna Ghar."

He promised a secure environment for women, children, and the elderly, and vowed to eradicate the looting of banks and stock markets.

Shafiqur concluded by calling on the electorate to show a "red card" to dynastic politics, terrorism, and financial corruption, urging a vote for a safe and dignified Bangladesh.