Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said his party does not seek victory for Jamaat alone but wants the victory of the country’s 180 million people.
He made the remarks while addressing a public meeting organised by the district Jamaat at Satkhira Government High School ground on Tuesday (27 January) afternoon.
“If Allah gives us the opportunity, governance will be people-oriented. That is why I say we do not want Jamaat’s victory; we want the victory of 180 million people,” he said. “If the people are free, we are free. If they fall into danger, we will face the same fate.”
Referring to the upcoming vote on the 12th, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said people would cast their choice between freedom and submission. “A ‘yes’ vote means freedom, and a ‘no’ vote means slavery. If the ‘yes’ wins, Bangladesh will win,” he said.
He added that if Jamaat is given the opportunity to govern, decisions will be made through consultation. “There may be differences of opinion, even among Muslims. But we will sit together, form a common platform and decide collectively,” he said, calling on the people of Satkhira to stand for justice, fairness and against fascism.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman claimed Satkhira had long been neglected and urged voters to support Jamaat candidates in all four constituencies of the district. “If you give us this responsibility, we will work to establish justice, good governance and a people’s government. Nothing will be imposed from above,” he said.
He accused past rulers and political groups of looting national wealth and alleged that huge sums of money had been siphoned off abroad. “Those who have looted public money will not be spared. There will be no compromise on corruption,” he said, adding that strict measures would be taken to prevent black money and protect state resources.
On public service and employment, he said Jamaat would ensure dignity and fair wages for government officials and workers, especially those in risky professions. “Justice does not mean equal pay for all; it means giving everyone what they deserve,” he said.
He also said a nationwide momentum was building for change, justice and reform, claiming support from youths and students. “Young people want to build the country with dignity. We will train them, make them skilled, and ensure honourable employment,” he added.
On foreign relations, he said Bangladesh wants friendly ties with neighbouring countries but would not accept domination. “We want neighbours as friends, not as masters,” he said.
Addressing rising commodity prices, Dr Shafiqur Rahman blamed extortionists and syndicates. “If we get the chance, we will break these syndicates and stop extortion. No syndicate will be allowed to operate,” he said.
The public meeting was chaired by Satkhira district Jamaat vice-president Shahidul Islam Mukul and moderated by secretary Azizur Rahman. Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar and Jamaat-nominated candidates from Satkhira-1 to Satkhira-4 constituencies also spoke at the event.
