Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has vowed to establish a Bangladesh based on security, good governance, and justice, where leadership is not determined by family ties or group influence, and extortion is eradicated.
In a televised address on state-run BTV, just hours before winding up campaigns for the parliamentary election on Monday evening, Shafiqur laid out his vision for the future of the nation.
He called for extensive political reforms, respect for human rights, a thriving economy, judicial integrity, educational advancements, women’s empowerment, and stronger international relations, with a special focus on the role of expatriates.
“We aim to create a Bangladesh where the state belongs to all, and the government is accountable to the people. Our goal is a nation free from exploitation, oppression, corruption, and extortion,” he stated, underscoring the need for transformative changes in the political culture.
Shafiqur stressed the importance of the youth’s role in shaping the country’s future. “Our plans include empowering the next generation in the nation-building process,” he said, citing the youth-led July Uprising as a catalyst for national change.
He called for unity, emphasising that the nation must be liberated from divisive politics and work towards restoring peace in people’s lives.
The Jamaat chief urged voters to back the 11-party alliance candidates in the upcoming elections and vote “Yes” in the referendum for state reforms. “Power has been concentrated in the hands of a few for far too long. It is time to break free from this cycle,” he declared.
He criticised previous political regimes for undermining civil liberties, voting rights, and democratic institutions. He denounced practices such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and electoral irregularities, calling for an end to such practices.
Shafiqur revealed that Jamaat had consulted both local and international experts in formulating their election plans. He pledged that, if the party gained the people’s support, these reforms would be implemented immediately.
On the issue of women’s empowerment, he said, “Women will lead not only within their families but across all sectors of society. Jamaat will ensure that women’s talents are recognised in politics, administration, and the corporate world.”
Shafiqur emphasised that Bangladesh belongs to people of all religions, stating, “Religious discrimination and violence will not be tolerated. We will build a society where everyone can live with dignity and safety.”
He outlined plans for ethics-based, technology-driven education focused on skill development and job creation, shifting from unemployment allowances to self-reliance for the youth.
Shafiqur called for judicial reforms to ensure justice and highlighted the need to rebuild the fragile economy. He proposed banking and financial sector reforms and stressed the importance of creating an investment-friendly environment to generate employment.
On the international stage, he pledged to prioritise Bangladesh’s national interests, tackle climate change, and work towards the safe return of the Rohingyas. He also proposed granting expatriates the right to elect representatives and participate in parliament.
He called on political parties to adhere to electoral conduct codes, acknowledging the moral responsibility of organising free and fair elections. He also commended the roles of the administration, law enforcement, and media.
Shafiqur described governance as a “trust” and emphasised the importance of responsibility, urging voters to support Jamaat and its allies in the election on 12 February.
Calling for collective efforts to build a new Bangladesh, he said, “We must create a state where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and security.”
