Staff Reporter :
Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer (leader) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has issued a powerful call for national unity, emphasising that there is no time to look back.
His remarks were made during a view-exchange meeting with journalists from Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North chapter, held yesterday at the Thai Chi Restaurant in Tejgaon.
In his keynote address, Dr Rahman highlighted the crucial roles that both journalists and politicians play in driving social change and establishing justice. He noted the dangers faced by both groups, stating that they often risk their lives in their respective fields.
He stressed that looking back is no longer an option, and collaboration in the national interest is now imperative.
Dr Rahman urged media professionals to carry out their duties independently and with a sense of patriotism. He emphasised that their mission should not be driven by hatred or revenge, but by forgiveness and correction.
According to him, the focus should be on fostering a new, people-centric political approach through the media.
Reflecting on 15 years of government repression, Dr Rahman expressed regret over the inability to speak openly and work freely for public welfare. He called for respect towards all of Allah’s creations, asserting that everything was created for the benefit of humanity, and that there is no place for malevolence.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader called for a united front across political divides to protect citizens’ rights. He noted that national unity would earn global respect, and that media professionals and politicians must collaborate to achieve the freedom and welfare of the people.
Dr Rahman also pointed out that recent restrictions on the media had been temporarily lifted and stressed the importance of maintaining this progress through collective effort.
He reassured that Jamaat-e-Islami does not believe in revenge politics. He affirmed that the party has forgiven those who inflicted suffering, and emphasised a commitment to reform and forgiveness. However, he stated that if victims or their families seek legal recourse, they would receive support.
The party advocates for an ideal democracy, which upholds the right to free speech and tolerance for differing opinions. In his closing remarks, Muhammad Selim Uddin, who chaired the event, highlighted the joint movement of students and the public aimed at establishing justice at all levels of society.
Their slogan, “We Want Justice,” he said, reflected their demand to end disparities. He pointed out that even media professionals are deprived of justice, unable to perform their duties freely, and are not provided with the wage board, forcing them to live in miserable conditions. He assured that Jamaat will remain vocal in upholding the rights of journalists.