Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday stated his party would prioritise job creation over cash allowances for unemployed people if it comes to power, pledging to build a system that guarantees dignified employment rather than what he described as dependency-based welfare.
He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School ground on Friday afternoon, where he spoke as the chief guest ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election.
Dr Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami plans to govern the country based on three core principles. First, party leaders will neither engage in corruption themselves nor shelter corrupt individuals. Second, justice will be ensured for all citizens regardless of status or affiliation. Third, all forms of discrimination will be eliminated through a national referendum, which he urged the public to endorse by voting in favour.
He said the future of Bangladesh should not be shaped by a single party but by the collective participation of representatives chosen by the people.
Criticising past administrations, the Jamaat chief alleged that corruption and misgovernance have prevented the northern region from achieving its true potential. He said vested interests have deliberately kept people in the region poor and underdeveloped.
According to him, in the absence of corruption and poor governance, northern Bangladesh could have emerged as a hub for agriculture-based industries.
Dr Rahman said that if the country is governed on the basis of justice, farmers will receive fair prices for their produce. Emphasising employment over financial handouts, Dr Rahman said providing allowances to the unemployed undermines human dignity. “We will not offer unemployment allowances. Instead, we will ensure employment opportunities for the jobless,” he said.
He added that Jamaat plans to transform every household into a productive unit by promoting small industries and income-generating activities at the grassroots level.
He also pledged that a Jamaat-led government would establish a standard medical college in every district across the country and upgrade Saidpur Airport to international status. He said improving access to quality healthcare is essential for reducing inequality and ensuring balanced development.
The rally was presided over by Thakurgaon District Jamaat Ameer Belal Uddin Prodhan. Party leaders and activists from across the district were present at the gathering.
Earlier in the day, Dr Rahman addressed similar election rallies in Panchagarh and Dinajpur as part of his campaign tour in northern Bangladesh. According to Jamaat leaders, the tour aims to highlight the party’s development-focused agenda and its vision for governance based on justice and accountability.
