Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has returned to Dhaka today, November 4, after performing the holy Umrah in Saudi Arabia and visiting the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. At 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, leaders and activists welcomed Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman with flowers at the VIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman (former MP) and Maulana ANM Shamsul Islam (former MP); Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar; Assistant Secretary Generals Maulana ATM Masum, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad (former MP), Maulana Abdul Halim, and Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal; Central Executive Council members Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda (Secretary of Central Publicity and Media Department), Principal Md. Shahabuddin, and Mobarak Hossain; Central Executive Council member and Ameer of Dhaka City South Nurul Islam Bulbul; Central Executive Council member and Ameer of Dhaka City North Md. Selim Uddin; and Secretary of Dhaka City South Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, along with a large number of party leaders and activists were present on the occasion.

During a press briefing at the airport, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “As you may know, I left the country on the 19th of last month to perform Umrah. After completing Umrah within three days, I reached the JFK Airport in the United States at 9 a.m. on the 22nd of October by the grace of Allah. During my eight-day stay there, I held meetings with various important governmental and non-governmental bodies and individuals. Within a short time, I was able to visit four U.S. cities — New York, Buffalo, Michigan, and Washington D.C. I also had the opportunity to meet a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United States, to listen to their views, and to assure them on various matters.”

He continued, “I delivered two important messages to them. The first is that Bangladesh belongs to all of us. After a long period of deprivation, oppression, and fascist rule, Bangladesh has been liberated from the authoritarian rule. Those who fought from abroad alongside our people in this struggle played a vital role, and we expressed our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to them. Secondly, we emphasized that the biggest right of expatriates — the right to vote — had long been denied. Jamaat-e-Islami was the first to raise this demand and we never abandoned it. We have spoken on behalf of the expatriates to the Chief Adviser and the Election Commission, among others. We thank the government and the Election Commission for taking the initiative, for the first time, to include expatriates as voters on a wide scale.

However, some issues remain. The deadline for voter registration was set for October 30, but the software installed for this purpose did not function properly. As a result, many interested expatriates could not register. We demand that the Election Commission extend the deadline by at least 15 more days and simplify the process so that everyone willing can register as a voter. Furthermore, some unnecessary conditions have been added. We believe that a citizen’s National ID card is sufficient to prove citizenship, and if one also holds a valid passport, no additional documents should be required. It is unreasonable to ask whether they paid water or electricity bills or holding tax when many of them have been living abroad for 10–20 years and have no need for such bills. We call for the removal of these unnecessary requirements.

I also conveyed another message to them — that their duty is not only to give to the country, but also to receive honor and recognition from it. Expatriates and citizens alike must work together — combining all hands and all talents — to move Bangladesh forward, InshaAllah. We envision a future where the national parliament, as the supreme institution of governance and nation-building, will include them proportionately, InshaAllah. It may take time — it may not happen overnight — but this is our dream, and when we dream, Allah makes it a reality, InshaAllah. We will continue advancing toward that dream.”

He further added, “Finally, I visited Turkey, where I had important meetings with various government and non-government officials. I also met Bangladeshi expatriates there and listened to their views. I did not leave the country for personal reasons — I went abroad for the sake of the country and its people. Wherever I went, I tried to speak on behalf of the people and the nation, emphasizing that we seek honorable relations with all countries — relations based on mutual respect and equity. Alhamdulillah, wherever we went, we received appreciation and open-hearted responses.

Addressing journalists, he said, “You have all come here so early in the morning despite the inconvenience. Before I thank you, I want to once again seek your sincere cooperation. You are, after all, the conscience of the nation, and your news outlets are its mirror. In our journey to build the nation, Jamaat-e-Islami’s programs and activities are aimed at the welfare of the country and the people — and we seek your support in these efforts. You are not detached from society; you are not merely journalists — you are also citizens of this country. Therefore, as fellow citizens striving to build a humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh, we hope you will play a leading role. When journalists work for the welfare of the nation, the nation finds its path to welfare. May Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, accept your efforts for the good of the nation. Once again, I thank you all.”

After his statement, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman answered several questions from journalists.

In response to one question, he said, “The first question is whether I have been elected as ‘Ameer’ or not. My colleagues have entrusted me with a heavy responsibility, and I ask for your prayers that Allah helps me fulfill this duty for the sake of the country and Islam. At the same time, I seek your cooperation as well. Regarding BNP, they have not yet published their final list. I have seen that they have released a list for 237 constituencies but clarified in Q&A that it is not final and may change. However, we had shared our candidate’s list regionally in different ways a year ago. The final list will be announced in due course, InshaAllah, by the central leadership. Since we will not contest the election alone, we will consider many others and announce candidates in a timely manner, InshaAllah, keeping the country’s and nation’s interests in mind.”

To a question about differences of opinion, he said, “I understand why there is disagreement. Differences will exist among us, but pray that it does not escalate into conflict. Differences of opinion are the beauty of democracy. Not all parties are the same — each has its own perspective, and naturally, opinions will differ. We respect all opinions. However, the views we express are carefully considered in the interest of the nation. So, differences of opinion are a democratic beauty. We do not accept that these differences cause disputes or destabilize the country.”

Regarding the government giving time to political parties, he clarified, “No, they have not imposed a deadline. As far as I understand, they requested that if political parties can reach a consensus within a week, it would be good for the government. We, on behalf of our Nayeb-e-Ameer, were the first to call for open discussion to reach a solution for the country and nation. We hope others will respond positively to this appeal, InshaAllah.”

On a question about the referendum, he said, “We have already shared our perspective on the referendum.”