Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued a fervent call for a new political dawn, declaring that the people of Bangladesh will no longer tolerate fascism, hegemony, or corrupt governance.
Speaking as the chief guest at an 11-party alliance election rally at Chauddagram Pilot High School field on Saturday morning, Dr. Shafiqur envisioned a "humane Bangladesh" built on the aspirations of the country’s 18 crore citizens.
"We do not seek victory just for Jamaat-e-Islami; we seek victory for the 180 million people of this land," Dr. Shafiqur proclaimed.
He urged voters to support Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, the alliance's candidate for the constituency, promising that his election would secure a senior cabinet position for the Cumilla region.
The Jamaat chief strongly condemned political violence and moral degradation, specifically targeting those who disrespect women. "Is the honor of 90 million women safe in the hands of those who threaten to strip mothers and kick them in the stomach?" he asked.
He warned opponents to respect the dignity of women, asserting that the public support for Jamaat, even among women in ordinary attire, has unsettled their rivals.
He cautioned that if such behavior continues, "giving a response will become obligatory (Wajib)."
Dr. Shafiqur paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Revolution, including Abu Sayeed, and rejected the notion of unemployment allowances for the youth. "The youth of July did not fight for handouts; they fought for rights," he said, emphasizing that 62% of the alliance’s candidates are young people.
He promised to empower the youth to build a "vigorous Bangladesh" rather than making them dependent on state aid.
Addressing rumors about the closure of Qawmi Madrasas, Dr. Shafiqur dismissed them as baseless lies. Pointing to the presence of alliance partner Allama Mamunul Haque, he stated, "With leaders like him by our side, would we close down Qawmi Madrasas? We want religion; why would we shut down the institutions that uphold religious education?"
He pledged that any decisions regarding madrasas would be taken in consultation with Befaq (the Qawmi education board).
Dr. Shafiqur outlined a vision for a future unity government that invites even current political rivals to contribute, provided they agree to three core conditions:
1. Zero Tolerance for Corruption: No corruption by oneself or others.
2. Absolute Justice: Equal justice for all, from ordinary citizens to the President and Prime Minister, regardless of religion or status.
3. Implementation of July Reforms: A full commitment to realizing the reform proposals of the July Revolution.
He concluded by promising a complete overhaul of the education system to ensure "Better Education, Better Nation," arguing that the current system fails to serve either worldly or spiritual needs.
