Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Emir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has emphasized that the party’s mission is not to seek power but to bring about qualitative societal change.
The Jamaat emir made these remarks during a discussion and prayer event on Monday at the Dinajpur Institute grounds. The event was organised to honour Rudrasen, other martyrs, and the injured from the anti-discrimination student movement and the student-public uprising.
In his speech as the chief guest, Dr. Rahman clarified that the student-people uprising was not the endeavour of any particular group, party, or community. Instead, it was a movement propelled by the common people, who took to the streets and achieved success.
He pointed out that the struggle was not confined to people of any single religion; rather, it was a collective effort. Dr. Rahman warned that if anyone attempts to use this movement for personal gain, the 180 million people of Bangladesh will rise against it once again. He pledged to stand with those millions, promising unwavering support.
Dr. Rahman also envisioned a future where people of all races, parties, and religions could coexist peacefully in Bangladesh. He expressed his desire for a society where citizens, both at home and abroad, could proudly identify themselves as Bangladeshi.
He stressed that in such a society, there would be no need to protect places of worship or homes during specific times, as all citizens, regardless of their background, would live as proud and equal members of the nation.
He questioned why protection would be needed for the temples of Hindu friends if there was no need for guarding houses or mosques, advocating for an end to all forms of discrimination. He called for the continuation of the anti-discrimination movement, which, he hoped, would eradicate inequality and transform Bangladesh into a discrimination-free country.
The Jamaat leader also expressed his vision of building a nation that the world could take pride in. He also conveyed his sincere regret for not being able to personally visit and offer condolences to the families of the martyrs, acknowledging their sacrifices and expressing deep respect for their contribution to the movement.