Youth can build a new Bangladesh: Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman addressed the nation in a televised speech aired on Bangladesh Television on Monday, February 9, at 6:15pm. In his address, he said change would shut the doors to wrongdoing and prevent the deprivation of people’s rights, but a vested group was opposing this change.

At the beginning of his speech, Dr Shafiqur Rahman prayed for the salvation of the martyrs of July and paid deep respect to the martyrs of the Liberation War. He said the July movement emerged from the demand for a discrimination-free Bangladesh and a change from fascist political practices, driven by prolonged protests against the destruction of human rights, voting rights and democratic institutions. He said the country’s young generation now wants to see a “New Bangladesh” or “Bangladesh 2.0”. While people desire change, a ruling group is standing against it because such change would put an end to their injustices and misdeeds, he added.

The Jamaat Ameer said the youth are the future of the country and that building a new Bangladesh is only possible through them. He praised their courage, intellect, technological skills and leadership potential, and called on them to once again stand shoulder to shoulder, as they did in July, to rebuild the nation.

Emphasising state reforms, he said that although the post-July revolutionary government had initiated some reforms, many remained incomplete. To ensure permanent implementation of these reforms, a referendum has been arranged alongside the national parliamentary election. He urged voters to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, the state would be run on the principles of honesty, justice, good governance and accountability. He reiterated a firm stance against corruption, nepotism, extortion and fascism.

Speaking about women, he said no society can truly progress without ensuring women’s dignity and security. He assured that under Jamaat’s rule, women would participate in mainstream leadership with equal respect and status.

On the rights of religious minorities, he said Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians alike, and no one would be allowed to face persecution due to religious identity. He also pledged to ensure the rights and security of various religious groups, including the Tabligh Jamaat.

Regarding international relations, the Jamaat Ameer said foreign policy would be shaped on the basis of equality, prioritising national interest and dignity. He also spoke of strengthening diplomatic efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

In the concluding part of his speech, Dr Shafiqur Rahman called on voters to support Jamaat-e-Islami and the candidates of the 11-party alliance in the national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, saying state responsibility is a trust, not a means of personal enjoyment of power.