Calling upon the youth to come forward in building a new Bangladesh, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated, "Oh youth, step forward! I am with you, with my gray hair, beard, and eyebrows. I will be in the frontlines of the movement to build this nation. I also urge mothers and sisters to raise young individuals capable of establishing a Quranic state."
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a massive public gathering held on the morning of Saturday, February 22, at the historic Adarsha Samad Government High School field in Lakshmipur district.
The event was presided over by Lakshmipur District Jamaat Ameer Master Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, with special guests including Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Maulana ATM Masum, and Central Executive Council Member Mobarok Hossain. Other key speakers included Kazi Deen Mohammad, Ameer of Comilla City Jamaat, Secretary of Dhaka North Jamaat and Central Working Committee Member Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim, and Central General Secretary of Bangladesh Sramik Kollan Federation Advocate Atiqur Rahman.
The event was hosted by Lakshmipur District Secretary Faruk Hossain Nurunnabi. Among the notable figures delivering welcome speeches were: President of Dhaka-based Lakshmipur Forum and General Secretary of the Industrialist Businessman Welfare Foundation Dr. Anwarul Azim, former Ameer of Feni District and Jamaat’s Central Majlis-e-Shura Member Liaqat Ali Bhuiyan, former Ameer of Noakhali District and Central Majlis-e-Shura Member Maulana Alauddin, Feni district Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan, Ameer of Feni District, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Lakshmipur District Advocate Nazir Ahmad, nominated MP candidate for Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati and Kamalnagar) and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Lakshmipur District A.R. Hafiz Ullah and , former Central Student Leader Abdullah Al Mamun. The gathering was also attended by members of martyr families, among many others.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has demanded the immediate release of former Acting Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam, stating, "From 2009 to August 5, 2024, the party that has lost the most top leaders to killings is Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. One by one, 11 of our leaders were murdered. Allah has kept one of them alive—our brother, ATM Azharul Islam. It is unfortunate that six months have passed, and while Bangladesh has expelled the fascists, the treatment of fascism is still being continued with Azharul Islam. National leaders have one by one been released, yet he remains trapped in the darkness of prison. That is why, with a heavy heart, I said—I do not want to remain outside while Azhar Bhai is inside. I urge the government: On the 25th, I will surrender myself to the authorities and request them to imprison me. Release me only on the day when brother Azhar is set free."
The Jamaat Ameer further stated, "Our young men gave their lives with a great dream. They stood fearless and declared, ‘There is a raging storm within my chest—fire your bullets at me!’ What was that storm? It was the storm of resistance against injustice, corruption, and oppression. In every era, the youth have never tolerated corruption or tyranny—they have always risen against it. The sacrifices of these young men led to the independence of this nation. Addressing local issues, he said, "With all due respect, I urge—please stop extortion and illegal takeovers. Please do not oppress the people."
Referring to an ideal system of governance, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami stated, "The greatest state in history was the Medina-centered state, and the greatest ruler was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He governed based on an ideal—the ideal of the Quran and Islam—the ideal given by Allah. This ideal transformed an ignorant society into a golden society. If we accept that ideal today, Bangladesh will also transform into a golden society, InshaAllah. In the past, attempts were made to establish 'Golden Bengal,' but instead, a 'desolate Bengal' was created. Let me challenge you—only the Quran can give us Golden Bengal. Nothing else can!"
He continued, "Every experiment has been conducted on the soil of Bengal. Now, InshaAllah, it will be the Quran’s Bangladesh. To those who seek to distort or reject the Quran, we say with humility—the people of this country want to live with the Quran in their hearts. They want to die with the Quran in their hearts. They want to stand before Allah with the Quran in their hearts."
He further stated, "From August 5, 2024, to February 22, 2025, look around at all the Islamic parties in this country. You will not find a single instance of them oppressing the people, engaging in extortion, or taking over property for personal gain. The only reason for this is their respect for the Quran and their fear of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala."
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman lauded the role of the youth on August 5, 2024, stating: "Salute to you, young warriors! It was your fearless fight, your unwavering sacrifice, that led to our liberation by the grace of Allah. Now, rise again—for eternal freedom! Take an oath today: We will build a nation guided by the Quran, InshaAllah! I, too, stand with you—not as an elder in the background, but as one of you, with my gray hair and beard. You will find me beside you in the battlefield—not at the back of the march, but leading from the front, InshaAllah."
He emphasized that the future of Bangladesh lies in the hands of its youth, saying:
"Our young men are our dreams. They are our Bangladesh. We entrust them with this nation's future. O youth, prepare yourselves! You have succeeded before, and you will succeed again, InshaAllah. We will embrace you, bless you, and push you forward with love and guidance."
Criticizing the rule of the Awami League, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said:
"After Bangladesh’s independence, a particular group turned Laxmipur into a land of terror. You all know which infamous family I am talking about. These criminals murdered my brother, Dr. Faiz, a man known as a humanitarian doctor, along with many other patriotic souls. As long as they are in power, they behave like kings. But the moment they lose power, they hide like rats in their burrows."
Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum said,
"When Islam is established, everyone will receive their rightful share. In the time of the Prophet (PBUH), there was no unemployment, no terrorism—society was peaceful. Under the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, the world saw justice and prosperity. If Islam is established in Bangladesh, oppression and corruption will vanish. We want to build such a Bangladesh."
Mobarak Hossain said, He "After the 2024 mass movement, we thought the current government would run the country properly. But extortion and land grabbing have not stopped. The government knows who is responsible for these illegal activities, and they should take action against them."
Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim said, "This massive gathering proves that Jamaat cannot be suppressed through persecution. Sheikh Hasina has taken revenge—by killing people in Paltan on October 28 and slaughtering scholars at Shapla Chattar. She has executed our leaders and was behind the massacre of army officers in Pilkhana. Murderers will have no place in this country."
He added, "The entire nation is now ready to build a justice-based society. Today, the people's slogan is—'All parties have failed, now it’s Jamaat-e-Islami’s Bangladesh.' If ATM Azharul Islam’s release is delayed, a nationwide movement will rise." He also demanded the establishment of a railway, medical college, university, and airport in Lakshmipur.
Advocate Atiqur Rahman crtiticized the Awami League’s rule, and said, "For 15 years, all their conspiracies have failed. In July and August, they shot and killed 2,000 students and civilians like birds. But finally, in just 40 minutes, Hasina lost power and fled. The Awami League is a fascist party responsible for mass murder. There will be no place for fascism in the new Bangladesh."
Dr. Hasanul Banna (Son of Martyred Dr. Faiz Ahmad) criticized the Awami League’s repression, saying, "They turned Lakshmipur into a hub of terrorism. But we will never allow Lakshmipur to become a terrorist stronghold again."
Advocate Priyalal Nath (Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council Leader) said
"Islam is a religion of peace. Those who truly follow Islam cannot act against religious harmony. No religion permits the oppression of people from other faiths. We have learned this from the Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). May this gathering be successful and meaningful."
Joint Convener, Lakshmipur District BNP, Advocate Hasibur Rahman said
"Thousands of cases have been filed against BNP-Jamaat leaders and activists. But we did not bow down. We have fought to drive out fascism. Our ideologies may differ, but we will remain united to ensure that dictatorship never returns to this country."
Dr. Anwarul Azim said, "Lakshmipur has played a historic role in the 1952 language movement and the struggle for independence. The people of Lakshmipur have always been pioneers. We want to make Lakshmipur the best region in the world. Let’s work together to turn it into a prosperous and thriving place."