Speaking as chief guest at a youth, student, and citizen rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka-17’s Bhashantek area on Friday morning, he said, “Insha Allah, we do not want to see a divided nation anymore. Those who divide the nation are the enemies of the nation.” He also claimed that Jamaat has no history of corruption or misuse of public resources.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “In the election that will take place before Ramadan in February, God willing, people will choose those whose programs they believe in. If the people choose our party, we will call upon all political parties and forces. We will congratulate them, and together, we will build the country.”
He added that some political groups have already announced plans to unite all anti-fascist forces—except Jamaat. “We humbly say, if Almighty Allah wills and people elect us, we will not exclude anyone either. We will include everyone. We do not want a divided nation.”
He reiterated that those who divide the nation are its enemies and said Bangladesh must no longer allow such division to flourish.
Highlighting his party’s position, the Jamaat Ameer said, “We admit we have no experience in stealing public wealth. We have no experience in extorting money from party workers. We have no experience in controlling educational institutions by force. We have no experience in corruption from top to bottom.”
He sharply criticized the current political system, stating that fascism still exists in Bangladesh. He pointed to five characteristics of fascism—corruption, extortion, encroachment, abuse, and attacks on the dignity of women—and claimed all these conditions are present today.
Dr. Rahman said the old political system no longer works and emphasized the need for a new formula for a “new Bangladesh.”
Explaining what a people’s government should look like, he stated, “Every person in office must think of the people’s interests before their own. A government must not enrich itself by cheating the people. A government must not be involved in corruption.”
He expressed frustration that despite enormous sacrifices and natural resources, Bangladesh has not been able to stand tall on the world stage. He questioned why the country has failed to benefit from its wealth on land and at sea.
Referring to the party’s past struggles, the Jamaat chief said, “Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami did not flee the country. We were refugees within our own land. We clung to this soil, we stayed with our hearts, we served prison sentences, and we gave our lives. We did not run away because we love this country, this soil, and these people.”
