‘India’s Friends Have Seized Hindu Lands’: Dr. Taher
He made these remarks as the chief guest at an election rally on Thursday, January 22, in the Chupua area of Kalikapur Union, under Cumilla’s Chauddagram Upazila. This was the first rally in the area held to campaign for the ‘Scale’ symbol and the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Taher referenced an interaction with the influential Indian newspaper Anandabazar Patrika. "Anandabazar asked me if we [Jamaat] had occupied Hindu properties," he said. "I replied that while it is true many Hindu properties in this country have been encroached upon, not a single member of Jamaat is involved in such crimes. Rather, those whom India considers its friends are the ones who have occupied Hindu lands."
In his speech, he further alleged that a rival political party had entered into a three-point secret agreement with India. Citing Anandabazar as his source, he claimed the terms of the deal include the rehabilitation of fascists, requiring India's permission for Bangladesh’s arms purchases, and the suppression of Islamist parties.
Highlighting the strength of the 10-party alliance, Dr. Taher noted, "This coalition has become a formidable force, comprising the only living 'Bir Bikram' from the Liberation War, the student leaders of the '24 Uprising, and the country’s major Islamic parties." He urged citizens to vote for honest and qualified candidates regardless of party affiliation for the sake of development, promising to ensure the security of lives and property if elected.
The rally, presided over by former GS of Chauddagram Government College Khalilur Rahman Majumdar, also featured special guests including Central Majlis-e-Shura member Abdus Sattar and Upazila Ameer Mahfuzur Rahman. Speakers at the event expressed their determination to build a "New Bangladesh" through the strength of the united alliance in the upcoming election.
