For Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, the stage was set for redemption.
Before him lay the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, which had now turned into a sea of people who were attending the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's first-ever solo national rally.
The anticipation for his speech was running high. As he spoke, a silence descended on the venue.
Around the eighth minute, he said, "One battle was fought against fascism, and another will be against corruption. Insha'Allah, we will unite the strength of youth to achieve victory in this struggle as well."
His speech had now driven the crowd to a frenzy.
"The proof that Jamaat will build a corruption-free society…. the first evidence is…" he said suddenly breaking off and then collapsing on the stage.
The crowd collectively gasped and then panic spread.
Immediately, leaders on the stage surrounded him and chaos erupted at the Suhrawardy Udyan rally.
From the stage, everyone was urged to remain calm and stay seated.
Within a minute, with the help of his colleagues, he stood up again and returned to the microphone.
At this time, he was heard saying, "Respected brothers, perhaps due to the heat... I thank Allah that I stand before you again."
He again started saying that insha'Allah, we will build a corruption-free Bangladesh.
He then collapsed once again. More gasps and then sudden silence.
Again party leaders rushed to him.
Shafiqur, at this point, could have left the proceedings. Instead, he sat and took the microphone. This was no longer redemption, or a comeback. It was time to make a statement with the whole country watching.
"As long as Allah grants me life, I will fight for the people, Insha'Allah. This struggle will not stop. It will continue until the people of Bangladesh are liberated," he said, stoking near pandemonium.
"One battle was fought against fascism, and another will be against corruption. Insha'Allah, we will unite the strength of youth to achieve victory in this struggle as well."
The Jamaat chief said if his party came to power, it would seek to serve and not rule over the people of Bangladesh.
"I was saying, if Jamaat-e-Islami gets the opportunity to serve, it will not seek to rule over the people of Bangladesh but will be their servant, Insha'Allah."
Despite his weakened state, his words drew strong reactions from the large crowd.
"If anyone from Jamaat-e-Islami becomes an MP or minister, they will not accept government plots. They will not handle any money transactions themselves," he added.
He continued emphasising accountability, vowing that Jamaat leaders would maintain transparency if given power.
The crowd cheered their leader on, growing louder with each word.
At the end, Shafiqur once again stared down at the crowd. There was applause. There was concern. But, on some faces, there was also awe.
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