"Our goal is not to attain power, but to establish good governance," said the Jamaat Ameer

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman stated today that his party’s objective is not to seize power, but to establish good governance in the country. He emphasized, "We seek two things from the people of the nation. If we work for the country and its people, we ask for your love. We want the gift of your affection. Along with that love, we seek your support and cooperation. With your support, we aim to stand by you in tackling national challenges. We aspire to earn a place in your hearts to transform this nation." He made these remarks while addressing an activist conference organized by the Jashore District Jamaat-e-Islami at Jashore Eidgah this morning.

Shafiqur Rahman further added that if Jamaat-e-Islami is given the chance to serve the people, corruption and extortion will be eliminated from the country. He vowed, "There will be no more land grabbers or bribery. We aim to build a nation that rejects fascism and imperialism."

The Jamaat Ameer also reflected on the country’s past, saying, "Before August 5, the country was plagued by misrule. Whenever the Awami League came to power, oppression followed. The past 15 and a half years of Awami League governance have brought even greater suffering."

He highlighted the significance of the July-August mass uprising, stating, "No one, in Bangladesh or abroad, could have predicted that the fascist regime would fall on August 5. The leadership behind this victory, the fall of the fascists, came from our youth. The fascist government attempted to crush the movement using force."

Shafiqur Rahman also referred to Jashore’s historical neglect, saying, "Jashore is an ancient district from the British era, yet it has not seen the development it deserves. The people of Jashore have long been deprived of their fair share. A development center needs to be created around this city, as it lacks parks, fields, and water bodies. The promises made before elections are forgotten once those in power take charge."

Criticizing the Awami League, he said, "How capable are those known as thieves and robbers? But those who embezzle thousands of crores with a simple stroke of the pen are even bigger thieves." He continued, "The Awami League and its allies have looted the banks, which are now unable to provide capital to businesses."

Reflecting on the interim government’s role, he said, "The interim government is working to stimulate the economy, and we want the economy to grow further. However, the market syndicate has not been dismantled, and commodity prices continue to rise. The government needs to be more proactive in controlling the market."

Shafiqur Rahman also warned party leaders and activists, saying, "One group has engaged in extortion, and we do not want another group to follow suit. Has extortion stopped in the country? No, it has merely shifted hands. People did not sacrifice their lives for this. We must not betray the blood of martyrs. Engaging in such despicable acts betrays their sacrifice. We must avoid this."

He urged, "No leader or activist should engage in extortion by occupying footpaths, markets, sand quarries, or water sources."

Regarding equality, the Jamaat leader stressed, "All citizens of the country have equal rights. There is no minority here. We live in harmony, regardless of religion or caste."