Dr Shafiq pledges corruption free Bangladesh

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday laid out a sweeping political vision centred on ending corruption, extortion, and what he called “domination by powerful interests,” while promising unity, justice, and regional development if his party and its allies are voted into power.

Speaking at multiple rallies in Bogura, Sherpur and Gaibandha, Rahman said Jamaat wants to build “a humane Bangladesh based on justice and fairness.”

“We want to build a corruption-free, extortion-free, domination-free Bangladesh founded on justice and
insaaf. We do not want a divided Bangladesh — we want a united Bangladesh.”

Placing corruption at the centre of his campaign, Rahman claimed that Tk 28 lakh crore had been siphoned out of the country over the past 15 and a half years, and pledged to bring the money back.

“We will try to recover that money and return it to development. This is the people’s money.”

He promised zero tolerance for chanda (extortion), saying it hurts both farmers and consumers.

“Because of chanda, farmers do not get fair prices, and consumers cannot buy vegetables at fair prices. We will not tolerate the existence of extortionists on the soil of Bangladesh.”

Rahman also vowed that state funds would not be stolen and interest-based financial traps would be dismantled.

Justice system reform
Rahman pledged that courts would be insulated from political and financial influence.
“Justice will not be sold in exchange for money.

Courts will not look at profession, age or religion — only whether someone is oppressed. If they are, the verdict will be in their favour.”

He also promised strict action against sexual violence and harassment.
“A mother’s honour is more valuable than life. There will be zero tolerance. No predator will have a place on the land of Bangladesh.”

He said the government would ensure women’s safety both at home and in public spaces so they could participate freely in nation-building.

Youth employment, not welfare dependency
Rejecting the idea of unemployment allowances, Rahman said his party would prioritise skills and jobs.

“We do not want to turn Bangladesh into a factory of the unemployed. We want to turn every young hand into a hand of a nation-builder.”
He pledged dignified employment at home and abroad for educated youth.

Northern Bangladesh development agenda
Rahman accused successive governments of neglecting the north.
“Uttarbanga has been slowly killed — for education, healthcare and even small jobs, people are forced to run to Dhaka.”

He promised to industrialise the region, build universities, establish medical colleges, and upgrade Bogura to a city corporation.

“We want to turn North Bengal into an industrial zone and build specialised hospitals and medical colleges across the region.”

Foreign policy and sovereignty
Rahman said Jamaat would seek friendly relations with all countries — but without submission.

“We want friendship with all, but we will not allow anyone to come as a master. Bangladesh may bend, but it will not break.”

Call to journalists
He urged the media to remain independent.
“If we deviate from the truth, do not spare us. Call white white, and black black.”

Election framing
Referring to what he called years of repression and flawed elections, Rahman framed the upcoming vote as a turning point.

“On 12 February, we will vote ‘yes’ to honour the martyrs and to uproot 54 years of corruption, extortion and oppression.”