People to support tested, justice-based leadership: Jamaat ameer

The people of Bangladesh have made a clear decision to stand by tested, familiar and proven justice-based leadership, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said today (3 February).

"Those who stand for justice, truth, and fairness, and who believe in establishing justice in society and the state in line with the ideals of Madina, are the ones people now want to entrust with the responsibility of running the country," he told a rally at the Circuit House ground in Mymensingh.

Shafiqur said, "The people have seen the consequences of old-style politics. They no longer want it. Our youth do not want this old politics. Our mothers and sisters also do not want it."

"Everyone wants a new Bangladesh -- a safe, justice-based and dignified Bangladesh," he added.

The Jamaat ameer said the upcoming election is not an ordinary one, describing it as an election to put the nation back on the right path.

Explaining the significance of the referendum, he said, "'Yes' means freedom, while 'No' means subjugation. We will cast our votes for 'Yes' and encourage the people of Mymensingh to do the same."

Shafiqur said Bangladesh is a fertile, green country blessed with resources both above and below ground, yet despite decades since 1947 and 1971, it has failed to establish itself as a dignified state.

Referring to Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh, he said that a revolution in agriculture was expected after the establishment of the institution, but it was not provided with adequate budget, research support and manpower. 

Despite these limitations, he said, the university has made significant contributions to the country. He announced that if a justice-based government is established, Bangladesh Agricultural University would be transformed into a world-class institution, not only for Bangladesh but beyond Asia.

Addressing women, he said there would be no compromise on the dignity of mothers and sisters, adding that women would not face insecurity in movement, workplaces or educational institutions.

Shafiqur said the country's youth did not take to the streets demanding unemployment allowances, but rather demanded jobs. "They said, 'Give us work. We want to work and build the country,'" he said, adding that instead of humiliating unemployment benefits, youths would be provided with skills.

"Every young man and woman will be trained and given opportunities for employment," he said.