Feb 12 polls to free hardworking people
Staff Reporter :
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said the upcoming February 12 election is aimed at freeing hardworking ordinary people, not serving opportunists.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman also said that an honest, competent, and dedicated individual would be the country’s next President if Jamaat comes to power.
Responding to a question from journalists about who would become President if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, he said, “Please be patient—surely Allah Almighty is with those who are patient. The person who is honest, capable, and sincere—such a person will be the future President.”
He made the remarks on Sunday evening while responding to journalists during a press briefing held at a stop of his public outreach campaign in the Dhaka-15 constituency.
After offering Maghrib prayers at Baitus Salat Jame Mosque in Bornomala Ward near Battalion Bou Bazar under Kafrul Police Station, the Jamaat Ameer began a door-to-door campaign.
He interacted with residents, enquired about their well-being, and listened to their concerns on social and political issues, including civic services, soaring commodity prices, employment, and overall security.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, many of whom gathered to greet him, shake hands, and express their support. People standing at gates and balconies welcomed him and pledged votes for the “Scales” symbol. Dr Rahman sought prayers and electoral support from all.
At the press briefing, he said people across the country have long awaited justice, good governance, and the protection of human rights, noting that integrity and competence would be the top criteria in leadership selection.
He added that citizens want peace, justice, and accountable governance. “We want a Bangladesh where no one is persecuted for political beliefs and no one suffers injustice,” he said.
According to him, the nation’s future lies in the hands of the people, and steering the country in the right direction requires honest and capable leadership. “Running the state is not personal property—it is a trust, and those entrusted must be sincere and committed,” he said.
Those present during the outreach included Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan North Nayeb-e-Ameer and Dhaka-15 constituency director Abdur Rahman Musa; Workers’ Welfare Federation Vice-President Laskar Muhammad Taslim; former Islami Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam; Kafrul South Thana Ameer Anwarul Karim; Secretary Abu Nahid; as well as local leaders, activists, and residents.
In a Facebook post, Jamaat Ameer said Bangladeshi politics has turned into a hub of corruption and unlawful privileges, where leadership is often treated as hereditary property.
“This country does not belong to any individual or family. We do not believe that the son of a king must automatically become king,” he said.
The Jamaat chief stressed that leadership should be open to anyone with merit and qualifications, adding, “Insha’Allah, capable and deserving individuals will lead the nation in the future.”
Dr Rahman said Jamaat has committed that its Members of Parliament will neither take state-allotted plots nor use luxury government vehicles, nor enjoy any special privileges. He added that the assets of MPs and their family members will be publicly disclosed.
“Our objective is not to obtain a licence to plunder the state, but to fulfil national responsibilities as a sacred trust,” he said, reiterating that Jamaat will not engage in corruption, extortion, or provide political protection to criminals, nor tolerate such practices.
He said Jamaat envisions a Bangladesh where mothers will not fear for their daughters’ safety, young people will not have their voices silenced, and justice will not be sold to the highest bidder.
“By harnessing the talent and merit of all citizens, we want to build a modern Bangladesh for future generations,” he added.