United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s February-12 national election is expected to be one of the most closely watched polls globally this year, with international media monitoring not only the results but also the conduct of the electoral process, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said. In a Facebook post, Shafiqur Rahman said global attention is focused on whether the election will be held in a free, fair and credible manner. Outlining his vision for the country’s political culture, he said he wants a Bangladesh where political debate is driven by policies and ideas, rather than muscle power, and where voters are able to exercise their franchise without fear or pressure. The Jamaat Ameer said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is no longer a marginal political force, claiming the party has now emerged as a mainstream political actor. Through a free and fair electoral process, the party would accept and carry out whatever responsibility the people assign to it, he added. State responsibility a sacred trust, not for personal gain: Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party were elected to power, he would be prepared to work with all political parties in the national interest, with the aim of ensuring political stability and good governance. He also said the public has the right to know whether the party’s main political opponents would respect the people’s verdict if they fail to win the election, play a constructive role in opposition, and continue to serve the country regardless of the outcome.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday warned that no one would be allowed to loot banks in Bangladesh in the future if the 11-party alliance comes to power. “Those who have stolen the country’s money and smuggled it abroad—if Allah Almighty gives us the opportunity to govern the country, that money will be recovered and deposited in the state treasury, InshaAllah,” he said. Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman was speaking at an election rally organised by the upazila Jamaat at Baufal Public Ground. He said they would not engage in corruption and would not allow anyone else to do so. “There will be no place for corruption in Bangladesh, and it will be uprooted,” he said. Referring to case harassment, he said, “We hate litigation. Those who destroy the lives of innocent people by filing false cases will not be spared. Rather, if evidence is found, they will be brought under strict punishment.” Jamaat chief pledges to uproot corruption  “Development will begin from the most deprived and oppressed areas. Recommendations of uncles and aunts will not work, and one’s place of residence will not matter. People’s rights will be determined based on justice and merit,” he added. Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, the nominated candidate of the 11-party electoral alliance for Patuakhali-2 (Baufal) constituency, DUCSU VP Shadik Kayem, and nominated candidates for four constituencies in Patuakhali district, among others, were present.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman will arrive in Sylhet by helicopter on Saturday to address a major election rally, with organisers expecting a gathering of more than one lakh people. The rally will be held at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground, organised by the district and city units of Jamaat-e-Islami. It will begin at 2:00 pm and continue until 4:30 pm. Dr Shafiqur Rahman will speak as the chief guest. Top leaders of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance are also scheduled to address the gathering. The information was shared at a press briefing on Thursday noon. The briefing took place at the main election office of Jamaat candidate for Sylhet-1 constituency, Maulana Habibur Rahman, at Dhopadighirpar in the city. Sylhet city Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul Islam delivered the main speech at the briefing. The event was conducted by city Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Nurul Islam Babul. Maulana Habibur Rahman also spoke and leaders of the Jamaat-led alliance from the district and city were present. Organisers said Dr Shafiqur Rahman will reach Habiganj by helicopter at 10:00 am on Saturday and address a rally there. He will then go to Kulaura in Moulvibazar at 11:30 am to join another rally. He is expected to arrive in Sylhet around 2:00 pm. Muhammad Fakhrul Islam said journalists’ cooperation is being sought to ensure the success of the Sylhet rally. He added that Jamaat leaders have met the district returning officer and the Sylhet Metropolitan Police commissioner to discuss security. Tarique urges women to respond to Jamaat Ameer’s derogatory remarks through ballot He further said that the administration has assured full cooperation and necessary security for the programme. During the rally, candidates of Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance from Sylhet division are also expected to be introduced.

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 pledged to restore the Teesta River, saying his party is committed to reviving its flow and safeguarding the livelihoods of those dependent on it. “Teesta will be the economic hub of North Bengal,” he said while addressing an election rally at the Teesta Barrage helipad ground, jointly organized by the Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat district units of the party. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the river’s water would make the entire North Bengal fertile and prevent thousands of families from becoming destitute due to river erosion. “We promise to implement the Teesta plan at any cost, Inshallah,” he added. Want to see peace in hill areas, says Jamaat Ameer He emphasized that the party will prioritize national interests. “We will not hurt anyone’s interests, but we will not accept it if someone harms our interests first,” he said. Dr Shafiqur Rahman also highlighted other development priorities, including modernizing the Burimari land port, and said, “Bangladesh’s development will start from the Teesta bank. The people of this region have been deprived for ages.” He added that the party is committed to remaining with the people through good and difficult times. Referring to the upcoming election, he said, “This election is to show a red card to those who have been dishonest with the nation. Politics is not business or extortion; it is the king’s policy. On February 13th, a new sun will rise in the eastern sky of Bangladesh. We want to build a new Bangladesh with everyone.” He stressed the need for a change in power and said, “We will never leave the people of the country. We have announced that North Bengal will become the agricultural capital of the country. Employment in this region will drive national development, and crops produced here will meet domestic needs and be exported abroad, Inshallah.” Ballot seals seized in Lakshmipur, Jamaat leader, another sued Addressing women, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “Currently, mothers and sisters are being humiliated. We will give our lives if necessary, but we will not let anyone take away their honor. We view the 90 million women of this country as our mothers, and they will be educated, empowered, and able to contribute to building the nation safely and with dignity, Inshallah.” On the referendum, he said, “Yes means freedom, and no means slavery. We all will cast 'Yes' vote  on February 12, Inshallah, and encourage others to vote.” The rally was presided over by Lalmonirhat district Jamaat Ameer Advocate Abu Taher and moderated by Nilphamari district Jamaat secretary Maulana Antazul Islam. Special guests included Jamaat central assistant secretary Maulana Abdul Halim, Rangpur-Dinajpur region assistant director Principal Maulana Momtaz Uddin, team member Abdur Rashid, Nilphamari district Jamaat Ameer Principal Maulana Abdus Sattar, and leaders of the 11-party alliance in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday warned that unfair elections would no longer be tolerated in Bangladesh and that any attempt to follow such paths would be resisted. “There will be no more elections through backdoor means, nor will such elections be allowed. All backdoor paths will be shut,” he said while addressing a public rally at Katiadi Government College ground in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj district. The Jamaat Ameer said he does not want the victory of Jamaat alone but the victory of the country’s 180 million people. “If 180 million people win, that victory will belong to all of us,” he said. Laundered money to be brought back, promises Jamaat Ameer He urged all concerned to respect the people’s verdict on February 12. “Jamaat will be ready to congratulate whoever is elected through a fair election.” Noting that Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted and siphoned off abroad, the Jamaat Ameer vowed to recover the money and deposit it in the state treasury to ensure development across the country.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would invite rival political parties to take part in running the country if Jamaat comes to power with a parliamentary majority. Speaking at a rally at Chouddagram High School ground in Cumilla , he said, “If we achieve a majority, we will offer those who are now competing with us to play a role in governing the country. However, the condition is that they must not engage in corruption and must implement July charter.” He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami would form a unity government if it secures a majority in the next national election. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh has historically stood by the oppressed and would continue to do so. “We do not want victory for Jamaat-e-Islami alone, we want a collective victory for 18 crore people,” he said. Condemning violence against women, the Jamaat ameer said the country’s nine crore mothers and sisters would never be safe under those who assault women, describing protest against such oppression as a moral responsibility. He warned that Jamaat would not allow anyone who assaults women to go unpunished. Jamaat Ameer warns fascism-free Bangladesh impossible without reforms The Jamaat leader also called for unity among candidates of the 11-party alliance to ensure victory in all 300 parliamentary constituencies. He expressed hope that a new chapter would begin after February 12, with young people as well as the country’s mothers and sisters playing a central role. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the party no longer wanted fascism or corruption in government. “If you vote for us and we come to power, you will see Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as a senior member of the cabinet,” he said. Referring to past repression, he said Jamaat leaders and activists had remained in the country despite difficulties. “We were there, we are here, and we will remain, InshaAllah.”

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his Bashundhara office  in the capital on Thursday morning. The two sides exchanged views on various issues including Bangladesh’s prevailing political and economic situation, industry and trade, the national election, state reforms and the Rohingya issue, accreting to a social media post of the political party. Both sides also expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States in future. Read More: US proud to call Bangladesh a friend: US Ambassador Jamaat assistant secretary general and central publicity and media department chief Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, central executive council member Md Mobarak Hossain and the Ameer’s foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan were also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged his party leaders and activists to forge strong resistance against what they said fascism whether it is old or new one. “We don’t care whether it’s a new or old force—any form of fascism must be resisted with determination,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Paduar Bazar in Cumilla Sadar Dakkhin upazila in the morning. “The martyrs who shed their blood for Bangladesh left us a sacred trust. We will not allow anyone to betray their sacrifice. We want to uphold the value of their blood,” the Jamaat Ameer added. “We don’t want an election for the sake of it. Our leaders and activists must be prepared,” he said. No credible election possible without basic reforms: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat chief addressed four roadside rallies on his way to Feni to attend a party event. Dr Shafiq warned, “We are observing how some parties are looting and grabbing everything. We urge them to restrain themselves; otherwise, people will resist you.” The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Cumilla city Ameer Qazi Din Mohammad. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Maulana ATM Mohammad Masum, central Majlish-e-Shura member and Cumilla South district Ameer Advocate Mohammad Shahjahan, North district Ameer Prof Abdul Matin and city Nayeb-e-Ameer Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, among others, also spoke at the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced on Thursday that he will voluntarily surrender on February 25 if imprisoned party leader ATM Azharul Islam is not released. Shafiqur expressed frustration over what he termed as "fascist oppression" and "discrimination" against ATM Azharul, who remains behind bars despite the release of other national leaders. Release Azharul Islam: Jamaat Ameer "It is no longer possible for me to remain outside while he (ATM Azharul Islam) is in prison. We have given the government enough time," he said. The Jamaat Ameer called on the Law Ministry and the Home Ministry to take necessary steps, affirming that he would be at the designated location as planned. UN report exposes genocide under Hasina: Jamaat Ameer