Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated, “If Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, we will build a nation where, Insha’Allah, no citizen of this country will need to go abroad for jobs. Just as before 1757, people from all over the world used to come here seeking employment, this country will regain its lost glory. We want to restore that honor.” He made these remarks as the chief guest at the district workers’ assembly held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Kushtia Government College grounds.
Recalling the past governance under the “Charter of Madina,” Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized, “The ‘Charter of Madina,’ Allah’s constitution, granted equal rights to all. It was the first constitution of a modern state, ensuring human rights in its clauses one through five. It stated that no citizen’s rights could be divided based on religion. Islam provides no room for oppression. People of all faiths can engage in trade without interference, and Muslims are obligated to defend those who face external aggression. We want that kind of Bangladesh.”
The event was presided over by Kushtia District Ameer Professor Maulana Abul Hashem and hosted by District Secretary Suja Uddin Jowardar and Municipality Ameer Md. Enamul Haque.
Special guests included Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Committee member and Jessore-Kushtia regional director Mobarak Hossain, and Central Executive Committee Member Principal Shahabuddin. Secretary of the District Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Md. Mostafizur Rahman also spoke in the program. Among others, Principal Khondaker A.K.M. Ali Mohsin, Dr. Alamgir Biswas, Maulana Abdul Matin, Jhenaidah District Ameer Ali Azam Mohammad Abu Bakar, Pabna District Ameer Abu Taleb Mondol, Meherpur District Ameer Tajuddin Khan, Magura District Ameer A.B.M. Bakar, Chuadanga District Ameer Advocate Ruhul Amin, and Rajbari District Ameer Advocate Nurul Islam.
Imran Hossain, President of the Kushtia District Chhatrashibir, and Sri Rabindra Nath, President of Kushtia Sadar Puja Celebration Committee, also addressed the gathering. Additional addresses were delivered by Kushtia District Naib-e-Ameer Abdul Gafur, Assistant Secretaries Md. Sohrab Uddin and Md. Khairul Islam Robin, Professor Mazharul Haque Momin, Executive Committee member Professor Farhad Hossain, Islami University Chhatrashibir President Md. Abu Musa, and other regional and local leaders.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman highlighted Bangladesh’s abundant natural resources and favorable climate, stressing the need to turn its large population into a national asset through proper training. He reflected on the unfulfilled promises following the 1947 and 1971 independence struggles, accusing leaders of betraying the nation and perpetuating injustice, corruption, and economic exploitation.
The Ameer criticized the ruling party's economic mismanagement and corruption:
“They have looted 2.6 trillion taka in the past 15 and a half years. In the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project alone, 57 billion taka was stolen. They boasted of mega projects while conducting mega thefts. The Padma Bridge was built at a cost that could have funded four such bridges. This regime has plundered and built homes in ‘Begum Para’ abroad while hollowing out the country’s banks.”
He condemned the state of education and alleged that they destroyed the education system because their children do not study here. Quota systems trap job seekers, while the rest is reserved for the ruling party’s loyalists.
Addressing market manipulation, he denounced syndicates responsible for price inflation. He further said, “We do not want to see old or new cartels controlling the economy. If the government takes action, we will fully support it. Economic exploitation of 180 million people must end.”
Finally, he called for action against extortion. Jamaat Ameer said, “Even after August 5, extortion persists. Have so many lives been sacrificed for this? Do we want to see more extortion in our country? The crowd says no. Jamaat-e-Islami has no allegations of extortion or land grabbing against it, and we aspire to build a nation free of such crimes.”
He further stated that nearly two thousand students and citizens lost their lives between July and August. Around 34,000 people were permanently disabled, and more than 300 individuals suffered spinal injuries, leaving them paralyzed. These victims will never be able to sit or stand again or perform even basic tasks with their own hands, including feeding themselves with the sustenance provided by Allah.
He emphasized: “We no longer want to hear the terms 'majority' and 'minority' in this country. Our constitution guarantees equal rights for all. To our minority brothers, consider this: it is those who speak of majority and minority who have caused you suffering for the last 53 years. Jamaat-e-Islami has never been responsible for these wrongdoings, yet we are often blamed. Whenever an incident occurs, accusations are hurled at us without evidence. But no one has ever been able to prove a single one of those claims. Under Jamaat-e-Islami's rule, women's rights and dignity will be protected. No one will be forced to wear the burqa. Women of other faiths will dress according to their own customs without coercion. A professional environment will be ensured where everyone can take pride in their work.”
He added:"We are fighting for a nation that will stand tall and proud on the global stage. We promise our student community that your education will be of such quality that you won’t have to roam around with useless certificates. As soon as you complete your studies, you will receive fair opportunities and jobs. We aim to empower every young man and woman to become builders of the nation.”
Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan remarked:"After the Awami League fled, a judge was found hiding in the jungles of Sylhet. He used to boast about handing out death sentences during talk shows. They turned justice into a mockery and committed atrocities. The people will not forgive them. Referring to Sheikh Hasina’s downfall, he said she fled without even cooking rice, leaving without food. She will not return, and the people will no longer allow her to impose fascism. The people of this country now want Jamaat-e-Islami in power. The tide of Islam is rising, and the slogan across the country is: ‘It’s time for Jamaat-e-Islami’s Bangladesh.’”
Mubarak Hossain said: "Through district-level worker conferences, Jamaat seeks to assure the people that under the shade of Islam, there will be no deprivation, exploitation, or oppression as there has been over the past 53 years. Under Jamaat’s leadership, we will build a welfare state, and our movement will continue until the rule of the Qur'an is established.”
Principal Md. Shahabuddin stated:"For 16 years, we could not sleep in our homes. Our place was either prison or the wilderness. We were banned, but now the people have outlawed the vote-stealing, terrorist Awami League."