Political Arena: ‘People won’t need to take to streets if Jamaat on power’

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that if his party assumes the responsibility of governing the country, the people will not need to take to the streets to claim their rights. He pledged that justice would be ensured on the basis of fairness.

He further said, “The people of the country want to live with dignity in a free state.

But for more than half a century, we have failed to build that desired environment. With the help of the people and the grace of Allah, we want to change this situation.”

The Jamaat Ameer made these remarks on Saturday while addressing as the chief guest at the annual council session of the Forum of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (FDEB), held at the Muktijuddho Smriti Auditorium of IDEB Bhaban in Kakrail, Dhaka.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also said, “During my illness, those who inquired about me and prayed for me from home and abroad-may Allah grant them the best reward.

I express deep sorrow over the death of Engineer Gias Uddin, one of the organizers of this forum, and pray for the forgiveness of his soul.

I also pray that those killed under the fascist government’s repression over the past 17 years be accepted as martyrs.

The families of the disappeared and tortured are still enduring unbearable suffering.”

The Jamaat Ameer said, “The notorious ‘Aynaghar’ and other secret torture centers have been introduced in this country-something never before seen in the history of independent Bangladesh.”

He added, “This country was established at the cost of countless martyrs’ sacrifices.

People expected that they would live with dignity as free citizens, with security of life and property, and that young people would get jobs.

But even today, we have failed to create that reality. Now we must turn our history of failure into a history of success.”

Criticizing the education system, the Jamaat chief said, “The current education system is devoid of morality, ineffective, and results in the wastage of talent, time, and money.

Those responsible for making education plans do not let their children study in this system. That is why they do not formulate welfare-oriented plans for the people.”

Highlighting the importance of engineering and agricultural education, he said, “The talents of BUET and the agricultural universities are the pride of the nation.

Agricultural scientists have directly benefited the country through their contributions in fisheries, livestock, and food production. With sufficient research funding, these sectors will advance further.”

He asked, “If the most talented people are working in the engineering sector, then why is the nation not reaping the benefits?”

As reasons behind the backwardness of Bangladesh’s engineering sector, he mentioned five factors-lack of planning, lack of patronage, lack of vision, lack of courage, and lack of effort.

He said, “We want to transform this decayed Bangladesh. Within five years, we may not be able to launch bullet trains, but we will be able to run express trains, Insha’Allah.”

Emphasizing a strong stance against corruption, he said, “Our second pledge is to eradicate the tide of corruption.

On the basis of justice, everyone will receive their rightful due. Bribery and illegal wealth must be eliminated. This will strengthen the nation’s economy.”

Calling for a responsible role from journalists, he said, “The media is the mirror of the nation, and journalists are the conscience of the nation. They must call black ‘black’ and white ‘white’-even if it goes against us.

Politicians need two livers, but journalists need three. Only truthful and courageous journalism can take the nation forward on the right path.”

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further said, “For both politicians and journalists, a sense of responsibility must outweigh personal honor.”

He pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, people will not need to take to the streets for their rights; justice will be ensured on the basis of fairness.

Calling upon everyone, he said, “Instead of biting at one another over faults and shortcomings, we must show the nation rays of hope through positive programs and constructive initiatives.

Our three fundamental pledges are-education reform, eradication of corruption, and building a justice-based society. May Allah grant us the ability to achieve this.”