Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke at an election rally held at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground. Photo: BSS

SYLHET, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today said that if his party is entrusted with the responsibility of running  the country, it will bring about a transformative change within five years, fulfilling the aspirations of the youth and the demands of the mass uprising. 

“In 56,000 square miles of Bangladesh, we will establish justice and ensure equitable development of every inch of land," he told an election rally at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground today.

Jamaat Ameer said, “If we are given the responsibility, the face of the country will change in five years. We will establish justice in the 56,000 square miles of Bangladesh. Balanced and equality based development will be ensured in every inch of the country. The new Bangladesh, which is the dream of the youth and mothers and sisters, will materialize within five years.”

“Those who have embezzled public money will not be allowed to live in peace. Regardless of where they are, they will be brought to justice. However, if anyone voluntarily returns the embezzled money, it will be considered," he added.

Dr. Rahman further highlighted the spiritual significance of Sylhet, describing it as the ‘spiritual capital of the country’ and highlighting the legacy of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R.) who fought against the tyranny of his time. 

“For the past 54 years, the politics of oppression has been ongoing in Bangladesh, with Jamaat-e-Islami bearing the brunt of the injustice. However, after the July 2024 Uprising, we promised that Jamaat would not take revenge against any tyrant, and we have kept that promise. We have forgiven those who wronged us,” he said.

Dr. Rahman also touched on the issue of corruption, declaring, "Over the past 54 years, the country's wealth has been looted, and no one has been innocent. But when we take charge, we will not allow those who have stolen public money to live in peace. We will retrieve the money from their stomachs. If corruption ends, development will begin.”

He also addressed the local issues in Sylhet, pointing out the lack of facilities from the region's rich mineral resources. “The people of Sylhet do not receive their rightful share of the region's mineral wealth. Many areas still do not have access to gas or electricity. We will stop this exploitation. We will not only excavate rivers but also ensure that Bangladesh becomes river-friendly.”

Dr. Rahman also emphasized the party's plans for infrastructure development, including the completion of the Dhaka-Sylhet six-lane highway and the transformation of Sylhet’s existing international airport into a fully operational international hub. 

He also pledged to turn Sylhet Medical University into a full-fledged one and introduce a bullet train system connecting Dhaka-Sylhet by upgrading the railway network.

He further assured the people of Sylhet that under Jamaat's governance, the rights of farmers and workers would be protected. “We will provide tools to farmers, ensure market access for agricultural products, and provide fishing nets to fishermen. The state will take responsibility for the children of tea plantation workers,” he said.

The rally, which saw a large participation of women for the first time, also featured victims and injured survivors of the July Uprising. 

Following the rally, Dr. Rahman handed over party symbols to the candidates for Sylhet’s six parliamentary seats and three seats in Sunamganj, urging people to vote for Jamaat and its allies.