United News of Bangladesh

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) said his party intends to form a national government if it comes to power, even if it secures 200 parliamentary seats independently, aiming to safeguard national interest and ensure political stability. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after paying a courtesy call on European Union Ambassador Michael Miller in Gulshan. Ambassadors and diplomats at the meeting also included Swedish Ambassador Nicholas Wicks; Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen; German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz; Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro; French Deputy Head of Mission Frédéric Inza; Dutch Deputy Head of Mission Thijs Woudstra; EU Deputy Head of Mission Baiba Zarina; and Sebastian Rieger Braun, First Secretary at the EU Delegation. Read more: 'No govt in 54 years has worked for people’s welfare': Jamaat's Mujibur Rahman During the meeting, EU representatives asked about issues including the Rohingya crisis, public security, the party’s election manifesto, and its 100-day plan after assuming office. In response, the Jamaat chief assured them that his party would work to build an ‘inclusive Bangladesh’, if elected. “We will not exclude any political party. A national government is essential for the next five years to restore the economy, ensure stability, establish the rule of law, and curb corruption,” he said. He also outlined two conditions for joining the national government: no member would be allowed to engage in or tolerate corruption, and equal justice must be ensured with no political interference in the judiciary. Read more: Now Jamaat replaces election candidate in Lalmonirhat-3 Speaking about holding the national election and referendum simultaneously, Shafiqur Rahman said voter awareness was still not adequate for two major ballots on the same day, warning that both processes could be hampered. He recommended keeping them separate. Responding to allegations of using religion in politics, he said religion is part of Jamaat’s ideology, not a tool. “We do not exploit religion. Those who suddenly appear with caps and prayer beads only during elections are the ones using religion,” he said. He reiterated that the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for February must not be postponed. “We believe the election should be held on time, in February.” Read more: Jamaat leader Parwar pushes for referendum before national election The Jamaat chief also reaffirmed the party’s support for the proportional representation (PR) electoral system, saying it has been demanded in the interest of the people and that Jamaat would implement it, if elected.

Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh Nardia Simpson on Monday met Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman to share Australia’s perspectives on building robust institutions to ensure the human rights of all are respected, protected and fulfilled. She met the Ameer also to learn more about Jamaat-e-Islami’s political priorities, according to the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur said they discussed how they can take forward the relations with “mutual respect and love.” Talking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “We had a very friendly and successful meeting.” The Jamaat ameer said they also discussed how Australia can cooperate with Bangladesh meaningfully in the area of skill development programmes. Shafiqur described Australia as one of the important development partners of Bangladesh and discussed areas of cooperation in the future. He said they are delighted to see that representatives of the foreign missions in Dhaka are visiting their office.