Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has pledged to build a Bangladesh based on unity rather than division if his party comes to power through the people’s vote.
Jamaat aims to establish a humane, corruption-free and domination-free state grounded in justice and fairness, where extortionists and immoral individuals will have no place, he said.
He made the pledges on Saturday while addressing three separate election rallies in Gaibandha, Bogura, Sherpur, and Sirajganj as the chief guest.
At a 10-party alliance rally at Bogura’s Altafunnessa playground, Shafiqur Rahman called for an end to divisive politics.
“With the people by our side, we want to build a Bangladesh free from corruption, extortion and oppression, founded on justice and fairness,” he said.
“By the will of Allah, with His support, the love of the people and their votes, if Jamaat-e-Islami is elected, we want to govern the country for the next five years inclusively. We do not want a divided Bangladesh. We want a united Bangladesh,” he added.
Speaking in Sherpur on foreign policy and national sovereignty, he said, “We seek friendship with all countries, but we will not tolerate anyone acting as our master. The people of Bangladesh may suffer, but they will not surrender. They will not bow to injustice or accept foreign dominance.”
He added, “We do not wish to spy on others, nor do we want anyone to interfere in our country’s affairs.”
In Palashbari, Gaibandha, he described the rivers of northern Bangladesh as the region’s lifelines. Expressing concern, he said, “There was a time when ships sailed on these rivers. Now even small boats struggle to move. Once-living rivers have turned into dry, lifeless channels.”
He promised that reviving the rivers would be a priority, saying, “If the rivers return to life, so will North Bengal. Trusting in Almighty Allah, we promise that if the people elect us, our first task will be to restore the dead rivers of the region.”
Calling Bogura the “capital of North Bengal,” he announced plans to upgrade it to a city corporation and establish a university there. “If Allah grants us the opportunity to govern, we will make this a reality,” he said.
Taking a firm stance against corruption and money laundering, he claimed that Tk28 lakh crore has been laundered abroad over the past 15 and a half years. “We will make every effort to bring that money back, no matter how difficult it is,” he said.
Declaring zero tolerance toward corruption, he vowed, “By Allah, we will not touch a single taka of public money. If given the chance, we will root out corruption at every level.”
On women’s safety and social justice, he said, “A mother’s dignity is more valuable than life itself. Any insult to women will not be tolerated, and there will be no place in Bangladesh for predators.”
Addressing unemployment, he said, “We do not want to humiliate young people by giving unemployment allowances. Instead, we want to empower every young person to become a builder of the nation.”
On the justice system, he said, “Justice will not be bought with money. Courts will focus on whether a person is truly a victim or oppressed, and if so, they will ensure justice is served.”
The Jamaat ameer also attended a rally at Government Islamia College in Sirajganj. He said Sirajganj’s handloom industry collapsed due to government neglect, but if his party comes to power, it will be revived.
He added that Jamaat seeks national unity and justice, not division. Voting “yes” in the upcoming referendum, he said, would honor martyrs, ensure justice, and prevent the return of authoritarianism and exploitation in Bangladesh.
