Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for careful consideration of a candidate’s halal livelihood, family background and social standing when selecting candidates for local government elections.
He made the remarks at a three-day central education camp for district and metropolitan ameer and nayeb-e-ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, which concluded at a local auditorium in Gazipur on Saturday evening.
The camp began on Thursday and was chaired by Tarbiyat Divisional Committee President and Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum. Central Working Committee Member Dr Maulana Chamiul Haque Faruki conducted the programme.
Dr Shafiqur said those who betray the organisation’s trust should not be considered for responsibility, while anyone holding a position must maintain at least the minimum standard of morality.
He urged Jamaat’s responsible leaders and rukons, including district ameers, to remain cautious and regularly evaluate their own positions.
“Allah tests believers with difficulties. Sometimes the test is easy and sometimes difficult. We have to pass these tests,” he said.
The Jamaat chief said the sacrifices of the organisation’s leaders and workers had created an opportunity to build a “new Bangladesh”.
He said several senior officials of Jamaat had died during the organisation’s struggle and referred to the sacrifices made by its leaders and workers.
“Compared with our sacrifices, the Muslims of Kashmir, Palestine and Egypt are suffering more,” he said.
Referring to 16 and a half years of Awami League oppression, Dr Shafiqur said Jamaat workers had often been unable to carry out their activities freely.
“We did three days’ work in three hours. Many times we had to leave our work unfinished,” he said, urging the organisation’s leaders to assess their activities in the light of the present situation and strengthen their faith.
Speaking about Islamic thinker Maulana Syed Abul A’la Maududi, he said Maududi made a significant contribution to the Muslim Ummah through his study of the Quran and Sunnah.
“We do not think that he is right and others are wrong. He worked tirelessly for the religion,” he said, adding that Maududi gained international recognition as an Islamic thinker through his writings.
Dr Shafiqur also advised party leaders to avoid actions that could create doubts or controversy.
“It is better to stay away from any work that will raise doubts,” he said, urging leaders to remain alert against what he termed internal discord and attempts to create divisions within the organisation.
On foreign relations, he said Bangladesh should respect the rights of neighbouring countries but would not accept oppression.
He alleged that a country was working continuously to destabilise Bangladesh and urged people not to become agitated but to respond with patience. He also called on responsible leaders to exercise caution in their public speeches.
Dr Shafiqur further alleged that economic imperialism was being imposed on Bangladesh and said foreign interests sought to make the country dependent on imported products and exploit its potential.
He described the media as a major instrument of imperialism and said education and culture were among the areas targeted.
The Jamaat chief also expressed concern over the spread of Islamophobia and instability across the world, saying the Muslim world was facing increasing pressure.
Referring to the conflict between Iran and the United States, he said the outcome of the ongoing war could influence the future world order.
He called for unity among Muslim countries in facing global aggression, saying Muslims should not be afraid but should remain vigilant.
On Bangladesh’s foreign policy and trade, Dr Shafiqur said his party believed in protecting the country’s bilateral interests while maintaining “mutually respectful and balanced diplomatic relations with all countries on the basis of equality”.
He said society was a trust and urged Jamaat leaders to focus on major social problems rather than minor issues.
“People want a strong shelter, and we must give it,” he said, alleging that interest, bribery and human dignity were under attack at different levels of society.
He said people were losing confidence in business and commerce because of what he described as widespread looting and added that this was why many people wanted to place their trust in Jamaat.
Dr Shafiqur also alleged that a campaign had been launched to portray Jamaat negatively by exaggerating incidents involving the organisation.
He urged party leaders to seek Allah’s help and remain united in dealing with such challenges.
“If the responsible people of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami are humane, the organisation will take on a human form. The entire country will become humane,” he said.