Jamaat ameer seeks 'Yes' vote in referendum, support in election to build 'New Bangladesh'
He pledged that women would have equal respect and leadership opportunities both in public life and state governance if Jamaat comes to power.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called on voters to cast "Yes" vote in the referendum and support his party and the 11-party alliance in the upcoming national election, describing the polls as a historic opportunity to build a "New Bangladesh".
In the address broadcast on Bangladesh Television this evening (9 February), he described the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum as a major opportunity to build a "new Bangladesh".
On state reforms, Shafiqur Rahman said that while the post-July government initiated some structural reforms, many plans were either not implemented or remained at an early stage. To give these reforms permanence and a constitutional basis, a referendum is being held alongside the parliamentary election.
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He urged people to vote 'Yes' in the referendum.
On corruption, Shafiqur said that the past regime had used state resources and institutions for partisan and personal interests, turning development projects into avenues for plunder.
"Ending this system is our primary goal," he said, claiming that Jamaat's past representatives had never been accused of corruption.
Addressing women's rights, he said no society can prosper without ensuring women's dignity and safety. He pledged that women would have equal respect and leadership opportunities both in public life and state governance if Jamaat comes to power.
On minority and human rights issues, Shafiqur said Bangladesh belongs to all citizens, regardless of religion, and vowed to resist any attempt to persecute people based on religious identity.
He also outlined plans for a foreign policy based on mutual respect, stronger diplomatic efforts to address climate change, and initiatives to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
"Jamaat will work to ensure parliamentary representation and state recognition for expatriate Bangladeshis," he added.
Shafiqur prayed for the forgiveness of the martyrs of the July mass uprising and paid deep respect to the martyrs of the Liberation War, while wishing speedy recovery for those injured in the July movement.
"July happened because the nation was united. The unity of youths, workers, women, professionals and various political forces made July possible," he said.
The Jamaat ameer said the younger generation now wants to see "Bangladesh 2.0"—a just, modern and discrimination-free state. "These youths are brave, talented and tech-savvy. They will build the Bangladesh of the future," he said.
He said Jamaat-e-Islami has organised policy summits to ensure public participation in policymaking, and that these inputs are reflected in the party's election manifesto, prepared with opinions from domestic and international experts and various segments of society.
Concluding the address, the Jamaat ameer sought support for Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance in the election, saying, "State responsibility is a trust. We pledge to govern the state on the basis of justice and accountability."
