Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said that they will act as guardians of the people’s lives, wealth and dignity, declaring they would serve the nation rather than rule it.

“We will, InshaAllah, be the guardians of the people’s lives, wealth and dignity. We will not be the owners of this country. We will be the servants of the people if they elect us to form the government,” Shafiqur said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the election rally of National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, the Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 constituency, at the DIT Project playground in Badda here.

Jamaat ameer said the elected representatives will be bound to present annual statements of their assets before the nation to maintain transparency of their income.

About women rights, he stressed that ensuring women’s dignity would be the first priority. “In this beloved country, women have no security at home, on the streets or at workplaces. InshaAllah, our first priority will be to ensure that mothers and sisters are respected and secured.”

Jamaat also vowed to protect the rights of all 180 million people across Bangladesh’s 56,000 square miles, promising fairness for everyone.

Criticising the siphoning of national wealth abroad, he said, “To accelerate Bangladesh’s progress, recovering looted wealth and preventing future plunder is crucial and Jamaat-alliance will do its best to return siphoned wealth.”

Handing over the Shapla Koli (Water Lily Bud) symbol to Nahid Islam, Shafiqur urged supporters to guard the ballots on 12 February.

“From now on, you will guard the votes until they are cast. Do not let any miscreant dare to tamper with your votes,” he said.