Jamaat chief Shafiqur sets three conditions for 'collaborative’ governance

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has promised to build the nation inclusively if his party is given the chance to form the government, while laying out three conditions for governance.

He addressed a large election rally of the 10-party alliance at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School ground on Friday, saying he intends to include all groups in nation-building.

He emphasised that Bangladesh cannot be developed by a single party and must be built through national unity.

He reminded Thakurgaon residents of their repeated support for different leaders in past elections, urging them to vote for the coalition representing the country’s freedom-minded citizens.

The Jamaat chief outlined three conditions for collaboration.

Firstly, there must be no corruption, neither personally nor by sheltering corrupt individuals.

Secondly, justice must be guaranteed for all citizens regardless of wealth, gender, religion, or social background, with a fully independent judiciary free from political influence.

Thirdly, he pledged to eliminate systemic “inequality and abuses” that have affected the country over the last 52 years, targeting misgovernance, extortion, and regional disparities.

Shafiqur said reform proposals submitted to a national referendum will be implemented if endorsed by voters.

He added that Jamaat does not seek single-party rule but a people-led government including scholars, skilled citizens, and patriotic groups, rejecting dominance by any single faction.

He urged voters to elect leaders who uphold integrity, respect citizens, and prevent extortion.

Shafiqur promised that if elected, his government will transform northern Bangladesh into an agricultural hub.

Saiddpur Airport will be upgraded to international standards to support industrial growth and agro-based sectors, ensuring products reach national and global markets efficiently.

He pledged to reduce unemployment through advanced education and vocational training, aiming to transform households into small-scale industrial units, citing Japan, Vietnam, and China as examples of successful models.