Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman spoke at an election rally at the Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula Government College ground in Natore. Photo: BSS

NATORE, Feb 5, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur 
Rahman today said the country could progress "at rocket speed" if corruption 
and plunder were eliminated, calling on voters to cast their first vote on 
February 12 in favour of "Yes" to establish good governance.

"In Bangladesh, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims are all flowers of 
the same garden. We do not want to deprive anyone in any way, nor will we 
allow anyone to be deprived. If corruption and plunder are eliminated, the 
country will move forward at rocket speed," he told an election rally at the 
Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula Government College ground here.

Dr Rahman said, "The youth of this country want new politics and a new 
Bangladesh. Young voters would support the "Yes" vote in the referendum, 
while those seeking to drag the country backward through "rotten politics" 
wanted a return to fascism. People are alert this time."

The Jamaat chief said if Jamaat-e-Islami came to power through people's 
votes, justice would be ensured for all and corruption would not be 
tolerated. "Whether an ordinary citizen or the prime minister or president-
anyone involved in corruption and plunder will be brought to justice," he 
said.

Referring to past protests, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said students initially took 
to the streets over quota demands, during which six people, including Abu 
Sayeed, were killed in a single day, eventually turning the movement into one 
that led to the fall of the government. 

He alleged that female students were also subjected to abuse during the 
movement at Dhaka University, prompting wider public participation that 
culminated in the government's ouster on August 5 after "thousands of lives 
and blood" were sacrificed.

He further alleged that after the government's fall, another group swiftly 
took control of extortion networks, adding that people no longer wanted to 
see terrorism, extortion and plunder. "On February 12, the people will show a 
red card to those involved in terrorism and extortion," he said, noting that 
citizens could now speak freely and women were participating in rallies and 
expressing their views.

Outlining his party's vision, Dr Shafiqur said Jamaat would present a country 
of peace and equality "modeled on Madinah," ensuring women's safety and 
dignity at all times. 

He said the party did not want to provide unemployment allowances but aimed 
to make the unemployed skilled and employable through education and training 
so that youths could find jobs at home and abroad and proudly say, "I am 
Bangladesh."

He also said a Jamaat-led government would take responsibility for quality 
healthcare for all children up to the age of five and for all citizens aged 
over 65. To reduce dependence on overseas medical treatment, he pledged to 
establish a medical college in each of the country's 64 districts, including 
Natore, along with specialized hospitals as required.

Claiming a nationwide surge in support for the 11-party alliance, Dr Shafiqur 
Rahman said women were joining men on the streets "on the path of truth." He 
urged patriotic students and citizens to continue their efforts with 
steadfast faith in Allah until the election results were announced after 
February 12.

Chaired by Natore district Jamaat Ameer Professor Dr Mir Nurul Islam and 
conducted by General Secretary Professor Md Sadequr Rahman, it was also 
addressed by central president Nurul Islam Saddaam, JAGPA spokesperson Rashed 
Pradhan, CUCSU VP Ibrahim Hossain Rony and DUCSU GS S M Farhad.

After the speeches, Dr Shafiqur Rahman introduced Jamaat candidates Abul 
Kalam Azad (Natore-1), Professor Md Yunus Ali (Natore-2), Maulana Abdul Hakim 
(Natore-4) and 11-party alliance nominee S M Zargis Qadir Babu (Natore-3), 
and handed them party symbols.

Earlier, he addressed election rallies as the chief guest in Rajshahi, 
Chapainawabganj and Naogaon.