Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has urged party leaders and activists to remain highly cautious in their dealings and conduct, saying the party is now widely seen as a potential contender for state power.

Speaking at a district, upazila and thana-level Ameer conference of the Rangpur-Dinajpur region held at Rangpur Model College auditorium on Friday afternoon, he said Jamaat-e-Islami was previously not considered a competitor for state power, but the perception has now changed.

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“In the past, no one thought Jamaat would be a rival for power. They only thought of it as an effective political party that would survive,” he said.

“Now many believe you are going to be a competitor for power. Therefore, each and every one of you will be observed under a searchlight. Not even a single strand of hair on your body will remain outside scrutiny,” he added.

Referring to accountability and vigilance, the Jamaat chief said leaders are like “white cloth,” and even a small stain becomes highly visible.

“Two searchlights are now directed at you - one from Allah and another from the people. Both must be respected and acknowledged. Those who wear white clothes remain very careful so that no stain is made. Even a small stain becomes more visible. You are white cloth - if you get stained, there will be consequences,” he said.

Our dealings and behaviour must be more cautious than before,” he added.

The conference was presided over by Assistant Secretary General and regional director Maulana Abdul Halim. Among others, central leader and assistant regional director Maulana Mamtaz Uddin and regional management committee member Mahbubur Rahman Belal MP also spoke at the event.

Earlier in the morning, the Jamaat Ameer arrived in Rangpur on a one-day visit. He was given a guard of honour by the Metropolitan Police at the Circuit House. Later, he attended the Ameer conference at the Model College auditorium.