Reform, justice must precede elections: Jamaat Chief

Sylhet Bureau:

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday warned that holding elections without fundamental reforms and justice for the victims of state violence would be a “painful blow” to the nation.

Speaking at a discussion and prayer gathering organized by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat at the Shilpakala Academy, Dr. Rahman emphasized that reforms and the trial of perpetrators must occur before any election. “If delayed, the youth will not accept it. They are now aware and committed to building an enlightened society,” he said.

He urged all political stakeholders to come together for national change, stressing that Jamaat alone cannot transform the country. “We will continue the struggle for people’s liberation,” he added.

Referring to the July Uprising, he said those who were martyred must be remembered with dignity. “We were the first to call for justice through legal means—not revenge. This proves our patriotism.”

He criticized the government’s inaction in identifying martyrs and assisting victims’ families. “We’ve already published two volumes listing martyrs and are working on a database of the injured. This should have been done by the government,” he said.

Rejecting accusations and rumors, Dr. Rahman said, “We didn’t flee the country. Jamaat is a persecuted party, but we will not abandon our homeland.”

He vowed that if Jamaat comes to power, it would ensure transparency, fight corruption, introduce a modern education system, and uphold women’s dignity at work. “We won’t allow foreign domination. If needed, 180 million people will resist.”

The meeting was presided over by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul Islam. Several central and local leaders, scholars, and family members of the July martyrs also addressed the gathering.