Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday vowed to recover laundered money from abroad if his party comes to power.

Speaking at an election rally at Gorakhata Adarsha High School ground in Cox’s Bazar, he said that Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted from Bangladesh and smuggled abroad—an amount that, according to Bangladesh Bank, is four times the country’s annual budget.

"This is the people's money. It has been stolen by thieves, robbers, and looters and sent abroad. We promise to bring it out, and deposit it in the state treasury. Then Bangladesh will develop on the basis of justice. No more injustice will be allowed," he said.

Vote for Jamaat to build a Bangladesh free of corruption, drugs and extortion: Shafiqur Rahman

Shafiqur Rahman said the party does not seek victory for itself alone. "We do not want the victory of Jamaat-e-Islami. I want the victory of 18 crore people. If 18 crore people win, everyone will win. If a party, family, or group wins, violence will be unleashed on the nation. We condemn that type of victory. We do not need it," he said.

Regarding youth employment, he said young people do not want unemployment allowances but demand jobs.

He mentioned Maheshkhali-Kutubdia as a potential site for development and suggested that, with Matarbari as the center of the deep seaport, Bangladesh could create a hub surpassing Singapore or Hong Kong.

Criticising the current leadership, Shafiqur Rahman said the future of Bangladesh cannot be built by corrupt, extortionist, loan defaulter and robber leaders.

The expectations of the youth cannot be fulfilled by such leadership. Bangladesh will be built by people with character, honesty, patriotism, and commitment to the people, he said.

The Jamaat chief also announced that the country’s most deprived areas would be prioritised for development.

Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman

He said Moheshkhali would be developed as a smart economic zone, providing employment to young men and women regardless of religion or party affiliation, based on their qualifications and patriotism.

Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), National Citizen party (NCP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Amar Bangladesh Party, and Bangladesh Labour Party attended the rally.