Jamaat ameer vows justice-driven development if elected to power

Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has vowed to pursue justice-oriented development if his party comes to power, saying a Jamaat-led government would prioritise realistic, equitable and people-focused governance.

Speaking to journalists around 8:30am on Friday before leaving Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka for a tour of northern Bangladesh, Dr Rahman said Jamaat would refrain from making unrealistic pledges or misleading the public to secure votes. “If we are given the opportunity to serve the nation and form a government through the people’s votes, love and support, we will implement justice-based development and address problems through logic and realism — not through hollow dreams or false promises — by using all our strength and the resources that rightfully belong to the people,” he said.

The Jamaat leader also criticised efforts to sway voters through inducements, stressing that his party rejected such practices. “We do not believe in buying people. We respect human dignity and life. Those who engaged in such practices in the past are now trying to shift the blame onto others. People are being lured with various incentives, from subsidised rice to promises of housing. We strongly oppose influencing citizens’ legitimate voting rights through such backdoor means,” he added.

Urging voters to exercise their franchise freely, Dr Rahman said, “Cast your vote without fear for the party or candidate of your choice. A single vote determines who will take responsibility for running the country. Voting is not only a right; it is a sacred duty.”

He further said the country must move beyond what he described as “17 years of rotten politics” and work towards building a culture of harmony and mutual respect.

As part of his election campaign, the Jamaat ameer is on a two-day tour of northern Bangladesh. On Friday, he is scheduled to address public rallies as chief guest in Panchagarh at 11:00am, Dinajpur at 2:00pm, Thakurgaon at 4:00pm, and in the divisional city of Rangpur in the evening.

On Saturday morning, he will visit the grave of Abu Sayeed, recognised as the first martyr of the July mass uprising. He will then address public meetings in Palashbari, Gaibandha at 10:00am, Bogura at 12:00pm, Sirajganj at 4:00pm and Pabna at 6:30pm, before returning to Dhaka.