Shafique appeals for chance to govern

Staff Reporter :

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would transform the country’s overall outlook within five years if it comes to power, promising a “new Bangladesh” that reflects the aspirations of the younger generation as well as women across the country.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by district and metropolitan units of Jamaat-e-Islami at the Alia Madrasah ground in Sylhet, where he spoke as the chief guest.

“The Bangladesh envisioned by the youth and by our mothers and sisters will become visible within the next five years,” Shafiqur said, outlining his party’s vision for governance and reform.

Reflecting on the country’s political history, the Jamaat ameer alleged that Bangladesh had experienced 54 years of oppressive politics, claiming that his party had been among the major victims of such practices.

He said that following the events of August 5, 2024, Jamaat-e-Islami had taken a conscious decision not to pursue revenge against those it considered responsible for past repression.

“We forgave them. Our leaders and activists kept their word,” he said, adding that the party had refrained from what he described as case trading or retaliatory politics. “But many others did not,” he added.

Turning to regional issues, Shafiqur highlighted Sylhet’s mineral resources, particularly gas, and said local people had long been deprived of their fair share.

He said gas and electricity had yet to reach many areas, rivers had been damaged, and the region had become increasingly affected by drugs and liquor.

“If brought to power, we will stop these,” he said. “We will not only dredge rivers, but make Bangladesh a river-friendly country.”

On corruption, the Jamaat leader alleged that the country’s wealth had been looted over the past five decades. Acknowledging that corruption had cut across political lines, he said, “No one was an angel.

Everyone stole—some less, some more.” He pledged that if Jamaat were given responsibility, those who had misappropriated public money would be held accountable and the looted funds recovered.

Describing Sylhet as a remittance-dependent region, Shafiqur also spoke about the Osmani International Airport, saying that despite its name, it did not function as a fully operational international airport.

“We will turn it into a real international airport in practice, not just in name,” he said.

Emphasising the role of young people, the Jamaat ameer said his party aimed to empower youth by entrusting them with leadership in shaping the country’s future.

He also expressed gratitude to freedom fighters for their role in achieving independence and stressed the importance of unity among all communities, regions and ethnic groups.

“Jamaat wants to build a peaceful and prosperous country where no citizen is left behind,” he said.

Outlining sector-specific pledges, Shafiqur said Jamaat would provide farmers with modern equipment, ensure fair markets for agricultural produce, and supply nets to fishermen.

“Those who own the nets will own the waters,” he said. He also pledged that the state would take responsibility for the welfare and education of children of tea garden workers.

Addressing controversy surrounding a post from his X (formerly Twitter) account, Shafiqur claimed that his account had been hacked and that an offensive post targeting women had been published without his knowledge.

He said he had consistently spoken out against disrespect towards women and accused his critics of exploiting the incident for political purposes.

“The thief has been caught, yet they are still defending the thief,” he said, adding that he had forgiven those involved and would not pursue the matter further.

Concluding his speech, Shafiqur said he was addressing the rally not only as the ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami but also as a son of Sylhet.

“Give us a chance,” he said. “We will not become owners of the country; we will be your guardians.”