Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam has claimed that many leaders living abroad, including those who have acquired foreign citizenship, are hesitant to return to the country due to fear of losing political opportunity and assets.
He made the remarks during an election rally in Jhikargacha-Chaugachha (Jashore-2) ahead of upcoming polls.
He criticized leaders who remain abroad while holding Bangladeshi roots.

He said, “Many leaders have obtained citizenship in England. They fear returning home because if they fail to become prime minister, they may lose everything here and abroad, so they hesitate to come back.”

ATM Azhar stressed that Jamaat leaders have historically faced trials rather than fleeing the country.

“We have never abandoned our nation. Some have even faced the gallows upon returning, unlike those who abandon 180 million people to live abroad,” he said.

He highlighted the party’s candidate for Jashore-2, Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid, who gave up 30 years of UK citizenship to return and serve Bangladesh.

ATM Azhar urged voters to elect him, emphasizing that Jamaat aims to eliminate corruption and promote development through ethical leadership and a zakat-based economy, which he claims can generate Tk 50,000 crore annually for national development.

Addressing allegations against Jamaat, he stated, “We do not force non-Muslims to convert. Attacks on temples during Awami League’s rule were falsely attributed to us. In the past two years, our workers have protected temples. Yet there are attempts to attack us out of fear of our growing influence.”

ATM Azhar warned that youth volunteers would guard polling centers and resist any attacks, asserting, “Those who attack will not escape easily.”

The rally was presided over by Chaugachha Upazila Jamaat Ameer Golam Morshed, with special guests including Jamaat directors Mubarak Hossain, Shafiqul Islam Masud, Jashore district Ameer Golam Rasul and candidate Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid