Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated, "We do not want a fragmented nation. We want to build Bangladesh as a humane country. We no longer want to see godfathers and godmothers ruling over Bangladesh. We do not want a mafia-controlled Bangladesh. We do not want a fascist Bangladesh."

He continued, "I want to send a message to the youth: You must rise again to build a Bangladesh free of inequality, corruption, and misgovernance. You must awaken. I will stand with you, InshaAllah. Even though my body is entirely white (referring to age), ‘no problem’—the color inside my heart is still youthful. I will not lag behind in the march for people’s liberation. I will stand at the forefront, InshaAllah."

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a massive public rally held on Wednesday, at the Sugar Mill Field in Panchagarh district town. The event was presided over by District Jamaat Ameer, Professor Iqbal Hossain.

Special guests who spoke at the event included Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Working Committee Member Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal, former President of Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir and Dhaka south city’s Assistant Secretary Delwar Hossain.

The rally was hosted by District Secretary Maulana Delaowar Hossain, with additional speeches from Regional Team Member Maulana Abdul Hakim, Thakurgaon District Ameer Professor Belal Uddin Pradhan, Nilphamari District Ameer Maulana Abdus Sattar, and former Dinajpur District Ameer Aftab Uddin Molla and Muhammad Anwarul Islam and the district coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Fazle Rabbi also addressed the gathering.

Speeches of goodwill were delivered by Khalafat Majlis District President Mir Morshed Tuhin, JAGPA Chairperson Barrister Tasmia Pradhan, and Hindu community leader Ratan Chandra Roy. Beside the main stage, family members of those who died in the 2022 boat accident were present.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “I have deep emotional ties to Panchagarh. I came here during the boat accident in 2022, when 72 people lost their lives. We tried to reach out to the affected families. I had the chance to hold a small child in my arms. That child, Dipu, is here today. He lost both his parents in the tragedy. Normally, when we take responsibility for a child, we try to support their education until it is completed.

After visiting Panchagarh following the boat accident, I was imprisoned by the government. After spending 15 months in jail, my first visit after release, within one and a half months, was to Panchagarh. I assure you, from today until this child reaches adulthood, his education will continue. We will visit his home on the first of every month. We will not look at what religion his parents belonged to. We do not want to divide people. We want to build a humane Bangladesh. We do not want to see godfathers and godmothers ruling the country. We do not want a mafia-controlled Bangladesh. We do not want a fascist Bangladesh.”

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “Our small country has a vast population. We all want to live together in harmony. This unity is our pride and beauty. It is within this unity that our peace lies. Our stance is clear—we do not believe in ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ in this country. We are all one. We are a single nation. The habit of labeling people as ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ belonged to the fallen autocrats. They fragmented the nation and set people against each other. We believe that if the people of a country cannot remain united, they cannot stand with dignity and respect in the world.”

He warned, “No one should provoke or attack another person’s religion. Do not incite conflict. I urge everyone not to cause distress to our brothers of other faiths.”

Indirectly referring to the ruling Awami League, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “Those whom they call ‘minorities’—it is they who have suffered the most harm to their wealth, honor, and lives under their rule.”

He demanded that the Bangladesh government and the United Nations jointly investigate and publish a white paper covering all incidents in Bangladesh from January 10, 1972, to February 26, 2025, so that the people of Bangladesh can see the truth.

Regarding Bangladesh’s relations with India, the Jamaat Ameer stated, “India and Bangladesh are both members of the global community. India is our closest neighbor. We do not want to cause unnecessary trouble for our neighboring country. However, our neighbors should also refrain from imposing anything upon us that is dishonorable for the people of Bangladesh. If such a situation arises, we will not hesitate to act in our national interest.”

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman sought love, cooperation, and support from the public to achieve this vision. He also assured that women would be given respect, security, and opportunities to contribute to the country’s development. As long as Jamaat-e-Islami stands for truth and justice, I urge you to continue showing love and support. Together with the people, we will build a humane Bangladesh, InshaAllah, he concluded.

Maulana Abdul Halim stated, “If extortion and land-grabbing still continue, then dictatorship and political favoritism remain intact. Today, our self-determination must be focused on justice for murderers, reforms, and elections.”

He mentioned that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has proposed a 41-point reform agenda and emphasized, “We want logical reforms. We also want elections. We have said that local elections should be held first, as previous autocrats have tainted the local election process. Therefore, we urge the current government to announce the schedule for local government elections as soon as possible. We want proportional representation in elections, where all parties are represented in Parliament.”

Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal described India as a declared enemy of Bangladesh, stating, “This is why India has sheltered Hasina, who is responsible for enforced disappearances and killings.” He called for Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration and election symbol to be reinstated.

JAGPA Chairperson Barrister Tasmia Pradhan affirmed, “I believe Jamaat-e-Islami will stand by the people of Panchagarh. If Jamaat comes to power, women’s rights will be established, and the rights of Sanatan (Hindu) communities will be ensured.” She stated that JAGPA (Jatiya Gonotantrik Party) would always support Jamaat-e-Islami.

Former Thakurgaon Jamaat Ameer Maulana Abdul Hakim emphasized that leaders have changed repeatedly, but principles have not. He urged, “This time, we must change policies, not just leaders. A welfare state must be established through the implementation of Quranic governance. The future Bangladesh will be an Islamic Bangladesh based on the Quran.”

Dhaka South city Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary Delwar Hossain demanded justice for the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, where officers of the Bangladesh Rifles (now BGB) were killed. He also emphasized the development of North Bengal, urging the election of honest individuals to ensure regional progress.

Sri Ratan Chandra Roy expressed satisfaction with his community’s safety, stating, “We are doing well, and there is a reason for that. During the Durga Puja festival, Jamaat members guarded our temples. We never received any bad words or behavior from them. I know that Jamaat leaders across the country behave well.”

He shared a personal experience from the 2022 boat accident, saying, “My relatives were among the victims. The Jamaat Ameer embraced us and provided financial support. At that moment, I realized how kind this man was. After he left, I prayed to God that I would meet him again.” He urged his fellow Hindu brothers, “If Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, there will be no discrimination.”

Professor Maulana Iqbal Hossain put forward an ambitious vision for Panchagarh’s development, stating, “We want to make Panchagarh the second capital of Bangladesh. We want to bring about an industrial revolution here.” He called for the resumption of operations at the newly inaugurated private medical college and proposed the establishment of a tea auction center to boost the local tea industry.