United News of Bangladesh

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said that state responsibility is a sacred trust (amanat) and should not be treated as a matter of personal enjoyment. “We must always remember that we are all accountable and will be questioned about our responsibilities,” he said in a televised address on Bangladesh Television ahead of the 12 February national elections. Referring to a famous quote by Hazrat Omar (RA), Dr Rahman said “Even if a dog dies on the banks of the Euphrates without eating, I will be responsible for it,” to capture what will be his governing style. The party remains committed, as commanded by Allah, to establishing justice, InshaAllah, he said. He expressed optimism that people will trust in their promise and vision and support Jamaat-e-Islami and its 11-party alliance in the upcoming elections. “Allah has given us a great opportunity for change. Let us use it wisely, leave behind the politics of the past, and build a new Bangladesh where everyone can live with respect and dignity,” he said. Dr Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and the Liberation War, and prayed for those injured during these movements. Describing July as a collective outcry against injustice, he said: “People from all walks of life united. We do not want another July. We want a Bangladesh where citizens never have to take to the streets to demand their rights.” He said the youth have the courage, talent, and technological skills needed to build a new Bangladesh. “They are hardworking, fearless, committed to truth, and ready to move the country forward,” he said, urging society to create opportunities that allow young people to contribute meaningfully. Addressing the youth, he added they want to stand shoulder to shoulder in the work of building the nation. The Jamaat Ameer emphasised that national unity is a responsibility, not just a slogan, warning that division weakens the country and deepens injustice.   He criticised what he described as the erosion of democratic practices and the concentration of power over the past decade, claiming citizens were deprived of their voting rights through flawed elections. “When people lose their right to vote, they lose their voice,” he said, referring to the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. He added that misuse of state institutions, lack of accountability, and suppression of dissent have undermined democratic norms and public confidence. Dr Rahman also stressed that women’s safety and dignity are essential for national progress. “A society that fails to protect women can never truly advance,” he said, pledging equal opportunities and meaningful participation for women in all sectors. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, saying all citizens must feel secure regardless of faith or background. “Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—all are citizens of this country, and their rights will be safeguarded,” he added. Addressing members of Tablighi Jamaat, he urged them to actively contribute to nation-building, just as they serve their faith. “We promise that in the future, no one will be able to oppress you with labels or carry out extrajudicial killings. We recognise that your human rights were neglected in the past. Changing this will be a key goal of the new Bangladesh. Your role and contribution to national policies and systems will be strengthened,” he added. Regarding foreign policy, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh would pursue balanced diplomacy based on mutual respect while protecting national sovereignty. He also highlighted the challenges of climate change and reiterated continued humanitarian efforts for Rohingya refugees, alongside diplomatic initiatives for their safe repatriation. He said the country would build international relationships based on equality and respect, honouring the territorial integrity of all nations while prioritising friendship. “Our national interests, dignity, and development goals will guide our international engagements,” he said. Dr Rahman praised expatriate workers for their role in the July uprising, saying: “Even from thousands of miles away, you played a vital role and endured hardships. You have already made history by exercising your voting rights. Without your active participation, our vision of a new Bangladesh will remain incomplete.” He announced plans to hold volunteer representative elections to liaise with embassies and high commissions, advocating for expatriates’ rights and ensuring their voices are heard. “These representatives will safeguard your interests and enable effective participation in national development,” he said. Dr Rahman stressed the need for structural reforms in various sectors and state institutions. To ensure the continuation of these reforms, a referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary elections. He urged citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in this referendum, describing it as an important opportunity to express the general will of the people.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said that if anyone attempts to take away or interfere with the nation’s voting rights people, especially the youth, are ready to defend them. In a Facebook post, he said the people of the country want a free and fair election, a right they have earned with their blood. They want to vote freely, choose without fear and celebrate. Election day, Shafiqur Rahman said, should be a festival of democracy, where people stand proud, take pictures and rejoice in their freedom to choose. “But let there be no mistake. Anyone who tries to take away or interfere with this right must know that the nation, especially its young people, is ready to defend it,” he said. Shafiqur Rahman added that the right to vote was fought for once and, if needed, it will be fought for again.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said the upcoming election is meant to bring liberation to hardworking common people, not benefit opportunists. In a Facebook post, he said politics in Bangladesh has become a breeding ground for corruption and illegal privileges, adding that political leadership now appears to be treated as a family inheritance. “This country is not anyone’s private estate. We do not believe that a king’s son must automatically become king,” he said. The Jamaat chief mentioned that anyone with merit and qualifications should be able to lead the nation in the future, Insha’Allah. Dr Rahman said Jamaat has pledged that its Members of Parliament will not accept state-allocated plots, use luxurious government vehicles, or enjoy any special privileges. He also said the assets of MPs’ family members will be disclosed before the public. “Our goal is not to take a licence to plunder, but to carry out state responsibilities as a sacred trust,” Shafiqur Rahman said, adding that Jamaat will neither engage in corruption, extortion, nor provide political shelter to criminals, nor allow such practices. He said they want to build a Bangladesh where mothers will not worry about the safety of their daughters, where the voices of youths will not be suppressed, and where justice will not be sold for money. “By using the talent and merit of all, we aim to build a modern Bangladesh for the future,” Shafiqur Rahman said.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for corruption to be fully eradicated, warning that tackling only its “leaves or branches” would be insufficient.  He stressed the need for removing corruption from its roots to ensure good governance and accountability in Bangladesh. Speaking at an election rally at Mehendiganj Government RC College ground in Barishal on Friday morning, Dr Shafiqur Rahman criticised the current legal system, saying it is “unjust that big corrupt individuals remain outside the law while small offenders are punished.”  He said if Jamaat were entrusted with running the country, it would neither engage in extortion nor allow others to do so. The Jamaat chief highlighted his party’s commitment to the principles of the July Revolution, stating, “If Allah gives us the opportunity to run the country, we will ensure that everyone receives their rightful share. Laundered money will be recovered, as economic challenges will be a major concern.” Get ready to lead, Jamaat Ameer tells youths He also pledged to prioritise economic development and improvements in communication infrastructure in the historically neglected Hijla–Mehendiganj area. Referring to a hacking incident involving his X (formerly Twitter) account, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “A missile was fired at me, but it hit them instead. Truth can never be suppressed. We do not want politics that creates extortionists, murderers and looters.” He also called for a change, saying, “I have protected the party for a long time. If given the chance, I will now protect the country.” Although the rally was scheduled to begin at 11:00 am, Dr Shafiqur Rahman arrived an hour early, with the ground already filled with supporters. The event was presided over by Maulana Shahidul Islam, Ameer of Mehendiganj Upazila Jamaat. Jamaat Ameer vows to ensure security, rights of all, women safety Other speakers included Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal; Barishal Regional Team Member AKM Fakhruddin Khan Raji; Barishal District Ameer and Barishal-4 constituency candidate Professor Abdul Jabbar; AB Party General Secretary and Barishal-3 candidate Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad; District Jamaat Secretary and Barishal-6 candidate Maulana Mahmudunnabi Talukder; Barishal-2 candidate and District Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Master Abdul Mannan; and Barishal-1 candidate Maulana Qamrul Islam Khan.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday called on the youth to get ready to lead the country, saying his party does not believe in offering unemployment allowances that humiliate the young people. “We do not want to give allowances to keep you unemployed. We want to turn every hand into a skilled one…we will hand over honourable work to you. You will build the country, so get ready for that,” he said. Dr Shafiqur Rahman was addressing an election rally organised by the district Jamaat at Nawabganj Government College ground in Chapainawabganj. Jamaat leader voices concern over election environment He said the 11-party alliance wants to hand over the responsibility of the country to the youth. “The youth will sit in the cockpit of the plane called Bangladesh, while we will sit in the passenger seat. They will take the country forward at rocket speed.” Addressing women, the Jamaat Ameer said his party wants to ensure two things for them — rights and dignity at all levels of society, and security. “If Jamaat comes to power, we want to establish justice everywhere. We want to ensure the same justice for everyone that was once given to the king,” he said. He said once justice is established in Bangladesh, no one will be allowed to engage in extortion. “The path of extortion will be closed, and extortionists will be caught and put to work,” he added. Bangladesh Election: Over 273,000 expats yet to vote Shafiqur Rahman said a public outcry has emerged across the country in favour of a humane Bangladesh and Chapainawabganj is also a proud part of that movement. He said people are tired of rule and misrule over the past 54 years and now want change. “The people of Bangladesh no longer want the old political arrangements.” Jamaat-e-Islami Chapainawabganj District unit President Abuzar Giffari also addressed the rally. Jamaat candidates Dr Keramat Ali (Chapainawabganj-1), Dr Mizanur Rahman (Chapainawabganj-2) and Md Nurul Islam Bulbul (Chapainawabganj-3), along with other party leaders and activists, were present.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday pledged to ensure the security and rights of people of all religions and communities, while promising strict measures to protect women from harassment and threats. Speaking at an election rally organised by the Naogaon district Jamaat at Atim ground in Naogaon town, Shafiqur said, “No one should live in fear for their religions. This country belongs to all of us and we will move forward together, respecting everyone’s rights and safety.” He emphasised that women will be guaranteed respect and protection at home, workplaces and public spaces. “No cruel person will dare to raise their eyes toward the daughters of the nation. That environment will be ensured,” he added. Read More: No more unfair elections in Bangladesh: Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur also criticized corruption and extortion, saying that Jamaat, if in power, would not support corrupt individuals or illegal activities, and would recover money embezzled from the country over the years. Highlighting Naogaon’s role as a major agricultural district, he promised to improve infrastructure, provide fair prices to farmers, establish storage facilities and promote fruit processing and tourism while preserving archaeological sites. Naogaon district Jamaat Ameer and Naogaon-4 candidate Abdur Rakib presided over the rally, where speakers included Naogaon district secretary and Naogaon-5 candidate ASM Sayem, candidates from Naogaon-1 to Naogaon-6 constituencies, and student and youth leaders.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party wants to restore lasting peace in the country’s hill areas and does not want to see any further unrest there. “If we come to power, peace will return to the hill areas,” he said while speaking at the party’s election manifesto announcement ceremony held at a hotel in Banani. Referring to the long-standing conflict in the region, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that, according to his knowledge, more than 10,000 members of the armed forces have lost their lives while serving in the hill areas. Questioning why so many soldiers had to sacrifice their lives on their own soil, he said his party would work to identify the root causes of unrest and resolve the problems in a way that ensures peace and satisfaction for the local people. Diplomats from various countries, leaders of political parties, senior journalists, business leaders and representatives from different professions were present at the programme.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his X account was hacked four days ago to circulate false information and the perpetrator has finally been identified and arrested. “After my account was hacked, a group started launching attacks chanting ‘tai re nai re’. Shamefully, even some senior leaders endorsed it. However, our cyber team quickly identified the accused and police arrested him. Truth can never be hidden,” he said. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by the 11-party alliance at Kurigram College ground. He said Jamaat-e-Islami does not want to establish a partisan government, even though it is the ‘largest party of the current era’.  “We do not want dynastic politics or group-based rule. We do not even seek victory for Jamaat. What we want is the victory of 18 crore people.” People no longer support family-centric politics: Jamaat Ameer Referring to the movement in Rangpur region in 2024, he recalled the role of Abu Sayed, saying his bravery had ignited the July movement. “He took three bullets to his chest, not his back. That is heroism. You are truly fortunate people,” he told the gathering. Dr Shafiqur said Abrar Fahad was the first to embrace martyrdom as an uncompromising fighter against authoritarianism, followed by Abu Sayed, Sharif, Osman Hadi and others. “Nearly 1,400 people have been martyred one after another. The bodies of these 1,400 heroes are now on the shoulders of this nation. Our rivers have turned red with their blood. We will never betray these martyrs,” he said. He also pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, development work would begin from Kurigram, which he described as one of the most backward districts in the country. Among others, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Kurigram district Jamaat Ameer Azizur Rahman Swapan, candidates from the four parliamentary constituencies of Kurigram, and senior leaders of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance were present at the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday vowed to recover laundered money from abroad if his party comes to power. Speaking at an election rally at Gorakhata Adarsha High School ground in Cox’s Bazar, he said that Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted from Bangladesh and smuggled abroad—an amount that, according to Bangladesh Bank, is four times the country’s annual budget. "This is the people's money. It has been stolen by thieves, robbers, and looters and sent abroad. We promise to bring it out, and deposit it in the state treasury. Then Bangladesh will develop on the basis of justice. No more injustice will be allowed," he said. Vote for Jamaat to build a Bangladesh free of corruption, drugs and extortion: Shafiqur Rahman Shafiqur Rahman said the party does not seek victory for itself alone. "We do not want the victory of Jamaat-e-Islami. I want the victory of 18 crore people. If 18 crore people win, everyone will win. If a party, family, or group wins, violence will be unleashed on the nation. We condemn that type of victory. We do not need it," he said. Regarding youth employment, he said young people do not want unemployment allowances but demand jobs. He mentioned Maheshkhali-Kutubdia as a potential site for development and suggested that, with Matarbari as the center of the deep seaport, Bangladesh could create a hub surpassing Singapore or Hong Kong. Criticising the current leadership, Shafiqur Rahman said the future of Bangladesh cannot be built by corrupt, extortionist, loan defaulter and robber leaders. The expectations of the youth cannot be fulfilled by such leadership. Bangladesh will be built by people with character, honesty, patriotism, and commitment to the people, he said. The Jamaat chief also announced that the country’s most deprived areas would be prioritised for development. Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman He said Moheshkhali would be developed as a smart economic zone, providing employment to young men and women regardless of religion or party affiliation, based on their qualifications and patriotism. Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), National Citizen party (NCP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Amar Bangladesh Party, and Bangladesh Labour Party attended the rally.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said that his party supports women leadership in politics and local government, along with economic empowerment of rural women, strong legal protection and social respect. In a Facebook post, he said false and misleading content has been circulating on social media aimed at misrepresenting their position. “I am sharing this to clarify our values and to refocus the conversation on our policies. Our manifesto has been clear from day one. We want women active and respected in education, healthcare, administration, entrepreneurship and public service,” he said. Jamaat, he said, is committed to uninterrupted education for girls, safe campuses, zero tolerance for harassment, women-centred healthcare in every district, equal pay, safe workplaces, childcare support and skills training for dignified employment. “These are not new positions. I publicly set out these principles months ago and reaffirmed them at my Policy Summit on 20 January 2026,” he said. The Jamaat chief said these positions are not reactions to rumours or online noise but reflect a long-standing and consistent vision. “Judge me by my record, my policies and my manifesto, not by false narratives,” he said, adding that he will formally launch his manifesto on February 3, where all these commitments will be detailed. “Our commitment is practical and measurable—safe education for girls, equal opportunity at work, women-centred healthcare, strong legal protection, economic dignity and real leadership for women,” he said. “A Bangladesh that respects women is a Bangladesh that moves forward, and that is the future we are building,” he added. Meanwhile, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Sunday staged a protest march on the Dhaka University campus, condemning the ‘offensive remarks’ about women made from the verified X account of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. The protest march was held in response to a post circulated on social media on Saturday which drew widespread criticism for its language towards women.