Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that if given the opportunity to serve the nation, their first priority would be reforming the education system. He promised to introduce an education system where students would graduate from colleges and universities not only with certificates but also with guaranteed employment. He criticized the current education system, claiming it has been deliberately designed in a way that prevents students from contributing to the nation. Instead, due to a lack of moral education, some are involved in money laundering and transferring national wealth abroad.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at a grand public rally held on February 7 (Friday) at Osmani Municipal Stadium in Chashara, Narayanganj. The rally was organized by the Narayanganj City and District Jamaat-e-Islami. The rally was presided over by city Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Abdul Jabbar and jointly hosted by City Secretary Engineer Monowar Hossain and District Secretary Hafizur Rahman.
The event featured speeches from senior Jamaat leaders, including:Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central Executive Council Member & Dhaka South Regional coordinator Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Dhaka City South Ameer & Central Executive Council Member Nurul Islam Bulbul, central Executive Council Member Mobarak Hossain, former Narayanganj city Ameer Maulana Moinuddin Ahmed, Maulana Abdul Mannan and Advocate Moshiul Alam.
In his speech, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman recalled that Narayanganj was once known as the capital of terrorism. He mentioned that during the tenure of a former Jamaat Ameer, a notorious figure in Narayanganj had displayed a 72-foot-long banner on the highway declaring that the Jamaat leader was prohibited from entering the city.
He further recounted how a district commissioner and a superintendent of police once publicly declared their intent to preemptively file a case against Jamaat leader Professor Ghulam Azam, claiming they planned to assassinate him. However, he noted that Ghulam Azam passed away in prison under an oppressive regime, but the so-called 'godfather' who had threatened him is no longer present in Narayanganj. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman concluded with a warning against arrogance and pride, reminding the audience that power and authority are temporary.
Dr. Shafikur Rahman accused the Awami League of dividing the nation and said, "From the very beginning, they incited the hill people. For 53 years, the nation has been fragmented. Addressing people of all religions, he stated, "Every citizen must be guaranteed all the fundamental rights provided by the constitution in this country. This is our responsibility. It is not a favor granted by anyone; it is a person's right to live, to receive respect, and to obtain justice. All rights must be placed in their hands. This is the true spirit of independence. This society should be free of discrimination and built on humanity. But the Awami League has destroyed everything. They have ruined all constitutional institutions."
He continued, "I thought they had fled, and the country would finally be at peace. But no, they are continuously inciting violence. A few days ago, they did it again. Thousands of people were killed. Many are lying in hospital beds, yet even in such a time, they are provoking unrest again. Therefore, those who instigate violence must take responsibility for the consequences of their incitement."
Dr. Shafikur Rahman further said, "We want a Bangladesh where there will be no poverty, InshaAllah. If we receive the love and support of the people, the first thing we will reform is the education system. He added, "In the future, when our children complete their education and graduate, they will not only receive certificates but also be provided with appropriate jobs, InshaAllah. No child should suffer under the curse of unemployment. I don’t want to hear the term 'street children' anymore. Every child born in this country will be nurtured as a dignified human being."
Regarding the country’s progress, he emphasized three priority industries. These are, the Human Industry, the electronic-mechanical Industry and the agricultural Industry.
Finally, he expressed his hope for building a nation based on respect and love, saying, "Our youth want to build a just nation. I urge you—stop extortion, stop illegal occupation. I say this with utmost humility.
"We want to see a Bangladesh of non-violence," he declared. "We will all live as brothers and sisters. We will take responsibility for everyone's security. As long as we stand for truth and justice, we seek your support in building this nation. We seek your love. We promise that you won’t have to demand your rights—we will fulfill all of them."
Maulana Abdul Halim stated, "among the two basic tasks of judicial reforms and elections—justice for murderers must come first. In Narayanganj, a four-year-old child was killed by gunfire from a helicopter. He also demanded justice for the murders of Taqi and the seven others. Additionally, he called for electoral reforms to ensure fair elections in the future. Students have raised slogans for an egalitarian society. Let us unite against the fallen autocracy and move forward in building a new nation."
Saiful Alam Khan Milon said, "Hasina once said she wouldn't flee. Fascists will no longer have a place in Bangladesh. If they return, they must face trial. If justice prevails, they will be hanged." He urged for medical treatment for those injured in the July uprising and financial assistance for the families of the martyrs. He also called upon Jamaat-e-Islami to lead the nation towards a better future.
Nurul Islam Bulbul stated, "Everyone now knows that Jamaat members can sacrifice their lives, but they cannot be bought. Imperialists have conspired against Jamaat, trying to buy them off, but they failed. To build a new Bangladesh in the future, Jamaat-e-Islami must be strengthened. Narayanganj must be a stronghold of Islam."
Mobarak Hossain said, "People used to hear the slogan 'Game On' (Khela Hobe) in Narayanganj. But now, who will the game be against?" He questioned, "Shamim Osman claimed he wouldn’t flee, so where is he now?" He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami aims to build a just society.
Maulana Moinuddin Ahmed remarked, "Even though Hasina and Shamim Osman have fled, their accomplices remain. If they are not arrested, there will be no peace in the country." He urged everyone to come together to make Narayanganj a livable city.
In his opening speech, Abdul Jabbar stated, "To build a state free of discrimination, we must first create a society free of discrimination. Jamaat-e-Islami is actively working toward that goal. The people of Narayanganj will no longer tolerate any form of injustice." He demanded justice for murderers as the first priority.
Joy K. Roy Chowdhury Bappi, Vice Chairman of the Narayanganj Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, said, "Despite wanting to, I couldn’t even drink tea for 15 years. This is not the Narayanganj we wanted. This cannot continue. Bangladesh belongs to Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims alike. We are here, and we will remain together. We will raise our voices together. There are no minorities here. We are grateful for the protection we received during Puja celebrations."
Other speakers at the rally included Narayanganj district Ameer Mominul Haque Sarkar, Dhaka district Ameer Maulana Delwar Hossain, Narsingdi district Ameer Maulana Mosleh Uddin, Munshiganj district Ameer A. J. M. Ruhul Kuddus, Central Majlis-e-Shura member Dr. Iqbal Hossain Bhuiyan, Narayanganj district Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdul Qayyum, Narayanganj Metropolitan President and Executive Member of Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir Hafiz Ismail Hossain, District President Abu Sufyan, Araihazar Upazila Ameer Professor Elias Ali Molla, and Rupganj Upazila Ameer Anwar Hossain Molla, among others.
