Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke at an election rally at the new field grounds in Habiganj this morning. Photo: BSS

HABIGANJ, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur 
Rahman today said a nation blessed with fertile lands and abundant resources, 
had failed to provide its people with the prosperity and justice they 
deserved, primarily due to corrupt leadership.

"Despite the country's abundant resources, the people were still grappling 
with poverty and inequality due to dishonest leadership. Bangladesh is a 
fertile land surrounded by greenery, rich in resources. Yet, why is the fate 
of our people not changing? The answer lies in one thing - dishonest 
leadership," he told an election rally at Habiganj's new field grounds this 
morning.

Jamaat Ameer said despite some positive actions over time, the country's true 
potential remained largely untapped and lamented that the dreams of the 
country's freedom fighters had not been realized.
 
"The martyrs of our independence fought for a Bangladesh where economic 
freedom, quality education, healthcare, and security would be guaranteed for 
all. However, we have seen none of that materialize. Who is to blame for 
this? It is those who have been in power time and time again. They are 
responsible for both the good and the bad," he said.

In a broader reflection on the state of the nation, Dr. Rahman spoke about 
the values that the independence struggle was supposed to ensure for all 
citizens. "The dream was for every citizen to be financially independent, for 
children to receive quality education, for the elderly and sick to have 
access to healthcare, and for society to be safe, secure, and just," he said, 
adding, "But instead, we are seeing a breakdown in these very principles."

Dr. Rahman also addressed the growing divisions within the nation, 
emphasizing the importance of religious harmony. "Islam does not support any 
form of extremism or aggression towards others. It is haram to mistreat 
anyone based on their religion," he said. 

"We, as Bangladeshis, are witnesses to the coexistence of people from four 
different faiths-Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians-living together 
harmoniously for generations. We must not allow anyone to divide us," he 
said.

He vowed that under Jamaat-e-Islami's leadership, the country would work 
towards preserving and enhancing this religious unity. "We reject all forms 
of division," Dr. Rahman emphasized, promising that his party would fight to 
maintain peace and unity among Bangladesh's diverse religious communities.

 
Further expressing concern over the security situation in Bangladesh, Dr. 
Rahman said that many mothers, workers, and ordinary citizens were not safe 
in their homes or workplaces. "The country has become overrun with 
extortionists and corrupt officials, and the common people are suffering," he 
said, adding, "This is not the Bangladesh that our freedom fighters 
envisioned."

He also referred to the ongoing issue of corruption in the country, claiming 
that nearly 28 trillion taka had been illegally transferred abroad over the 
past 15 years. "This money belongs to the people of Bangladesh-every citizen, 
including those who beg on the streets. Even today's newborns have a share in 
that wealth," he added.

Dr. Rahman vowed to combat corruption if his party came to power. "We are 
committed to building a corruption-free Bangladesh," he said, adding, "Under 
our leadership, extortionists will no longer have the power to operate with 
impunity. We will stop them in their tracks."

Jamaat Chief also highlighted his party's commitment to empowering 
Bangladesh's youth. He promised to create opportunities for educated youth, 
particularly in rural areas, to develop skills and take part in the country's 
industrialization efforts.
 
"We are planning to establish agricultural industries and modernize tea 
gardens. These industries will change the lives of our workers and give them 
access to better education and healthcare," he added.

He also stressed the importance of providing quality education that goes 
beyond certificate generation. "We will ensure that our universities train 
the future leaders of this country, equipping them with the skills they need 
to contribute to national development," he added.

Jamaat Ameer also emphasized the importance of establishing a just and 
transparent system of governance, assuring voters that if Jamaat-e-Islami was 
elected, elected officials would be held accountable for their actions. 

"We will make sure that every elected representative, and their families, 
will provide a yearly report on their income and expenditures," he said, 
adding, "We will ensure that our leaders are accountable to the people."

He also highlighted the need for a fair judicial system. "We are in favor of 
justice for all. If someone commits a crime, they must be held accountable 
according to the law-no one, not even the highest leaders, should be above 
the law," he said.

Dr. Rahman concluded his speech by calling on the people of Bangladesh to 
vote for Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance in the upcoming elections. 
"Our victory will be the victory of the people of Bangladesh," he said, 
adding, "This election is not just about Jamaat-e-Islami, it is about 
ensuring a better future for all 18 crore Bangladeshis."