Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman addresses an election rally at the historic Circuit House ground on Tuesday. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today said his party wants to build a curse-free Bangladesh where women and children can live in safety, dignity and security.

“Wrong policies and widespread plunder by previous governments forced one factory after another to shut down,” he told an election rally at the historic Circuit House ground this afternoon, expressing concern over the decline of industry and agriculture in Khulna.

Jamaat Chief said, “If Jamaat comes to state power by the will of Allah and the verdict of the people, we will reopen closed mills and factories and establish new industries.” 

Jamaat would prioritise job creation over unemployment allowances, he said, adding, “We do not want to insult youths by handing them stipends; we want to put work in their hands and honour them through employment.” 

The rally, chaired by Jamaat central Majlis-e-Shura member and Khulna city Ameer Professor Mahfuzur Rahman, drew a massive turnout, with the venue filling to capacity well before the scheduled time.

Voicing serious concern over election-related violence in different parts of the country, the Jamaat Ameer said, “On one hand family cards are being distributed, on the other hand mothers and sisters are being harassed.” 

He urged those involved in such acts to seek forgiveness and place trust in the people’s verdict, warning that history shows those who ignored public mandate faced dire consequences. 

Referring to perpetrators of violence, he remarked, “If tempers are so high in the month of Magh, what will happen when Chaitra arrives?”

Calling on citizens to act as guardians of the vote, he said every man and woman must protect voting rights. 

“Voters will cast their votes wherever they wish. Our responsibility is to ensure they can reach the ballot box safely,” he said, adding that the country needs a curse-free Bangladesh from February 13. 

He offered prayers for the souls of martyrs killed during years of authoritarian rule and the October 28, 2008 violence, and expressed solidarity with the injured, disabled, detained, disappeared and exiled.

“I am not standing here today to speak only for Jamaat,” Dr Shafiqur said. “I am speaking for the mothers who lost their sons, for the sisters who were widowed, for the children who became fatherless over the past 16 years, and for all 180 million people of the country.” 

Criticising the Awami League, he alleged that syndicates, extortion, bank looting and stock market manipulation led to capital flight and the creation of overseas enclaves.

He said despite past repression against Jamaat leaders and activists, party members chose restraint and played a protective role after August 5, demonstrating to the people “where true safety lies.” 

He warned that attempts to repackage old authoritarian politics would not succeed, noting that youths had clearly rejected such efforts during the July movement, including at several public universities.

Addressing women, Dr Shafiqur said Jamaat would ensure two core commitments if elected: recognition of women’s dignity as mothers and guaranteed security. “Safety will be ensured at home, in workplaces and during travel,” he said.

Highlighting Jamaat’s approach to Khulna’s challenges, he said salinity, floods and natural disasters devastated agriculture and industry in the region. A future Jamaat government would consult local communities to prioritise development, hand resources back to the people, and ensure public accountability over every budget. 

“No party MP or minister will touch public funds for personal gain. Our representatives will not build ‘Begum Para’; they will fight to build a strong economy and a dignified state,” he added.

Speaking as a special guest, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar alleged that some groups were seeking power through violence, misinformation and intimidation, adding that people no longer wanted those associated with corruption and extortion. 

He also outlined development pledges for Khulna, including reopening mills, modernising hospitals, resolving waterlogging, gas supply via pipeline, building a modern airport and promoting tourism centered on the Sundarbans.

Islamic Chhatra Shibir President Nurul Islam Saddam said campuses where Shibir gained leadership became free from extortion, violence and drugs, calling it a “model” for the future.

Leaders of allied parties and candidates of the 11-party electoral alliance also addressed the rally.