Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would invite rival political parties to take part in running the country if Jamaat comes to power with a parliamentary majority.

Speaking at a rally at Chouddagram High School ground in Cumilla , he said, “If we achieve a majority, we will offer those who are now competing with us to play a role in governing the country. However, the condition is that they must not engage in corruption and must implement July charter.”

He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami would form a unity government if it secures a majority in the next national election.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh has historically stood by the oppressed and would continue to do so.

“We do not want victory for Jamaat-e-Islami alone, we want a collective victory for 18 crore people,” he said.

Condemning violence against women, the Jamaat ameer said the country’s nine crore mothers and sisters would never be safe under those who assault women, describing protest against such oppression as a moral responsibility.

He warned that Jamaat would not allow anyone who assaults women to go unpunished.

Jamaat Ameer warns fascism-free Bangladesh impossible without reforms

The Jamaat leader also called for unity among candidates of the 11-party alliance to ensure victory in all 300 parliamentary constituencies.

He expressed hope that a new chapter would begin after February 12, with young people as well as the country’s mothers and sisters playing a central role.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the party no longer wanted fascism or corruption in government.

“If you vote for us and we come to power, you will see Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as a senior member of the cabinet,” he said.

Referring to past repression, he said Jamaat leaders and activists had remained in the country despite difficulties. “We were there, we are here, and we will remain, InshaAllah.”