Jamaat chief Shafiqur says ‘new Bangladesh’ won’t run on ‘old’ political formula

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has called for a break from “old, stagnant” politics, saying Bangladesh must now move forward under a new formula.

On Friday, at a public rally in Dhaka’s Bhasantek, he noted that the people of the country “no longer want outdated, corrupt politics and seek comprehensive reform”.

Shafiqur said, “The new Bangladesh will no longer run on the old formula, In shaa Allah. The new Bangladesh will follow a new formula. What is that formula? It means that in future the public will no longer see a biased government of any party.”

He explained that the people want a government that prioritises public interest before personal gain. “A government that promises change in public fortune will not deceive people for personal benefit.

“A government that avoids corruption and prevents exploitation by those in its favour. A government that ensures justice in all areas of society, where men and women live safely and with respect, and actively contribute to development. The people of Bangladesh are eager to witness this new system.”

The rally was held in support of Jamaat-nominated Dhaka-17 candidate SM Khaliduzzaman.

The Jamaat chief said “a profound cost in lives” shaped the political shift in 2024.

“People had hoped ‘fascism’ would be eradicated from Bangladesh forever,” he added. “Unfortunately, it has not vanished. Part of the ‘fascists’ have gone, but they remain in Bangladesh.”

Turning to the election scheduled for February, he said voters would choose those whose programmes they trust.

He added that his party was preparing to congratulate whoever the public selected.

If Jamaat received the mandate, he said all political forces would be invited to work together in government, as the country “could not afford further division”.

Without naming any party, he alleged that groups fearing they will not win public mandate are attempting to revive old networks of violence in new forms.

Shafiqur claimed that Jamaat’s campaign had come under attack in several places, with incidents ranging from “gunfire on processions to assaults on women activists and the removal of campaign materials”.

Responding to accusations that Jamaat would restrict women if elected, he said the party would answer “all propaganda” through its actions, not words.

He added that attempts to mislead the public through such claims were losing effect.

Addressing the rights of religious minorities, he said every citizen’s belief is a personal matter and no coercion would be tolerated.

“In the upcoming election, even some candidates of other faiths will contest under Jamaat. Through this, we aim to bring unity to the nation.”

He also said 60 percent of the party’s 300 nominated candidates were young leaders.