Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addresses an 11-party alliance election rally in Chauddagram on Saturday. Photo: BSS

CUMILLA, Jan 31, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur 
Rahman has said that the people of Bangladesh are seeking change and that the 
country must move forward.

"We do not want fascism anymore, we want to move the country forward. The 
people of Bangladesh are yearning for change, and after February 12, the 
change will come, driven by the aspirations of the people," he told a 11-
party alliance's election rally in Chauddagram here today.
 
Jamaat Ameer commented on the current political situation, saying, "We will 
not tolerate any more imperialism, fascism, or corrupt governments. We want 
to see a humanistic Bangladesh, and our 11-party alliance will work towards 
fulfilling the people's aspirations."

Shafiqur said Jamaat-e-Islami does not seek victory for the party alone but 
for the victory of the entire nation, urging for collective support for the 
alliance's symbol, the scales. "We will fight for victory under whatever 
symbol the people choose; our unity will ensure a final victory for the 11-
party alliance," he said.

Dr. Rahman also expressed solidarity with the people who have faced violence 
and repression, particularly referring to the tragic incidents of July 2024. 
He recalled the sacrifices made by youth leaders like Abu Saeed, who gave his 
life fighting for students' rights, and emphasized the alliance's commitment 
to youth empowerment and creating job opportunities.

"We want to empower the youth and give them a better future. Our candidates 
are predominantly youth, with 62 percent of them being young leaders," he 
said, adding, "This will be a Bangladesh of youth, a Bangladesh full of 
vitality."

Dr. Rahman further clarified the alliance's stance on education, religious 
freedom, and political reforms. He reassured the public that the alliance 
would uphold the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religion, and 
promised reforms to ensure equal justice for every citizen.
 
Regarding the controversial issue of madrasas, he dismissed rumors about 
shutting down Qawmi madrasas, asserting that religious education would be 
preserved.

Addressing the broader political vision, he declared that the goal was to 
unify the nation and establish a government based on justice and equality. 
"We promise to create a government of unity, and if Allah grants us the 
opportunity to form a government, we will ensure no corruption and provide 
justice for all," Dr. Rahman added.