Sylhet, Feb 8 (V7N) — Speaking at an election rally in Sylhet, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the country’s overall outlook would transform within five years if Jamaat is given the responsibility to govern. He stated that the dream of a new Bangladesh envisioned by the younger generation and women would become a reality within that time.
He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing a large election rally organized by the district and metropolitan units of Jamaat-e-Islami at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet, where he attended as the chief guest.
Referring to the historical significance of Sylhet, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that Hazrat Shahjalal (R) had once come to the region to fight against the fascist forces of his time, and Jamaat considers itself a successor to that legacy. He alleged that Bangladesh has endured politics of oppression for the past 54 years, with Jamaat-e-Islami being the most victimized party. However, he said that after August 5, 2024, Jamaat had clearly declared that it would not seek revenge against any oppressor as a political party. According to him, Jamaat leaders and activists have honored that commitment by refraining from retaliation and what he described as “case trading,” although he claimed others have engaged in such practices.
Highlighting Sylhet’s natural wealth, he said the region is rich in mineral resources, yet local residents are deprived of their fair share. He pointed out that gas and electricity services have still not reached all areas, rivers have been destroyed, and drug abuse involving alcohol and marijuana has spread widely. He vowed that these issues would be addressed if Jamaat comes to power, adding that Bangladesh would not only focus on river dredging but would also become environmentally river-friendly.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further pledged that extortion would be eliminated and no one would dare to take bribes in offices or courts. Addressing corruption, he said that massive amounts of public money have been looted over the past five decades, claiming that no one remained completely innocent. He warned that those who have stolen public funds would not be spared if Jamaat assumes responsibility, adding that stopping corruption and theft is essential for real development.
Referring to Sylhet as a region with a large expatriate population, he criticized the state of the local international airport, saying it is international in name only, as no international flights operate there. He promised that Jamaat would turn it into a functional international airport in practice, not just in name.
Outlining economic plans, he said farmers would be provided with necessary equipment and guaranteed markets for agricultural products, fishermen would be given nets with the principle that “the water belongs to those who fish,” and the state would take responsibility for the welfare of tea garden workers’ children.
Addressing controversy over a post from his X account, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman alleged that a group that does not respect women hacked his account and posted offensive content targeting women. He said he had protested against them, which led to attacks on his reputation. Claiming the truth has now come to light, he said he has forgiven those responsible and would not discuss the issue further.
Concluding his speech, he said he is a son of Sylhet, raised by its people, and stood before them not just as the Ameer of Jamaat, but as one of their own. He urged voters to give Jamaat an opportunity, promising that the party would not act as rulers but as guardians, ensuring dignity and rights for all.
The rally was chaired by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Fakhrul Islam and was attended by leaders of the 11-party alliance, as well as central and local Jamaat leaders and candidates from different constituencies in Sylhet. Jamaat Ameer also formally introduced the party’s candidates contesting seats in the region.
Earlier in the day, party leaders and activists arrived at the venue in separate processions from noon. A notable number of women participated in the rally, marking a first for a Jamaat gathering of this scale in Sylhet. In addition to Sylhet, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also addressed election rallies in Habiganj and Moulvibazar on Saturday.
Comment: