Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed a public rally in Mirpur-10 this afternoon, officially launching the party’s election campaign. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today said his party wants an education system to produce skill youths instead of just certificate holders.

“Youths should be developed as dignified citizens, not beggars,” he said adding “We want an education that builds skills, not certificates. We want to build up them as dignified citizens.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer was addressing a public rally at Adarsha School ground in Mirpur-10 this afternoon as Shafiqur Rahman, Jamaat-nominated candidate for the constituency, formally launched the party’s election campaign.

The programme also marked the official start of the election campaign of the 10-party alliance.

He announced that extortion and corruption would be stopped and justice would not be sold. “Justice will be ensured for all, irrespective of nation, religion and party affiliation,” he said.

Describing his vision for the party, Jamaat Ameer said Bangladesh must belong to everyone- children, youths, workers, farmers, professionals and people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

Referring to the political past, he said Jamaat does not want to see the shadow of fascism again in the country. 

“If fascism returns in a new form, it will face the same fate as before. Jamaat does not want to see any more vote robbers,” he said.

Calling upon people to support the change, he said, “Are you ready for a discrimination-free Bangladesh? Then on the February 12, say ‘yes’ in the referendum and ‘yes’ to the symbols of the 10-party alliance.

 This victory will not belong to any family or group; it will belong to the people.”

He reiterated that respect and security of women are non-negotiable. “The honour of mothers and sisters is our red line. Ensuring their safety is our commitment. Together, men and women we will build the future Bangladesh,” he said.

Earlier, Jamaat chief began his speech by paying tribute to those who resisted fascists who rule the country over 15 years. He recalled those who lost their lives, were injured, became disabled, faced repeated imprisonment, lost jobs and endured repression.

He also paid special tribute to those who took to the streets in July 2024, saying their movement shook and dismantled fascism in Bangladesh. He prayed for those who were killed to be accepted as martyrs and for the injured to recover, while wishing honour in both worlds for those who were persecuted.

Referring to enforced disappearances, he said “Aynaghar” detention centres had been created across the country and that many victims were present at the rally. “Many mothers still do not know where their children were buried,” he said, expressing solidarity with affected families.

Speaking about voting rights, Shafiqur Rahman said people of the country were deprived of voting rights in the last three elections. “Those who snatched voting rights were vote robbers. We do not want to see them again,” he said.

He said the struggle would continue until justice is established and warned that if extortion, corruption and repression do not stop, people would deliver their verdict through the ballot on February 12.

“The vote will be a ‘yes’ against domination, extortion, land grabbing, fascism, bank looting, and violence against women,” he said.

He said ‘Daripalla’ symbol of the party as a symbol of justice had been handed over to him as the candidate of the constituency, while candidates of the 10-party alliance in Dhaka-11, 12, 14, 16 and 17 constituencies were also given the symbol.

Highlighting local issues, he said despite being a strategically important area near the cantonment with 800,000 to one million residents, the constituency lacks a standard hospital and an undergraduate college. He also pointed to polluted canals, a broken drainage system, damaged roads, drug abuse and long-standing insecurity.

He said if elected with people’s support, Jamaat would work with residents to resolve these problems and ensure quality educational institutions and hospitals in the area.

“I am standing here not as the Ameer of any party, but as a representative of those who lost loved ones to autocracy, those who were disappeared, and those who were deprived,” he said, adding that he was standing for workers, farmers, garment workers, tea garden labourers, deprived children and youths.