‘Given the current situation, my brother would not have fought the Liberation War,’ says Jamaat Ameer

During an 11-party campaign rally in Habiganj’s New Field on Saturday, 7 February, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said insecurity, extortion, false cases, and pervasive corruption mean “mothers are not safe at home, on the street, or at work,” adding, “I belong from a Freedom fighter family. If my brother, who gave his life, saw this Bangladesh, he might not have joined the Liberation War.” He said those who repeatedly ruled Bangladesh are responsible for failing to deliver the martyrs’ vision of a just, equal country with economic freedom, quality education, healthcare, security, and rule of law.

Rahman claimed at least Tk 28 trillion was siphoned abroad in 15-plus years, calling it theft of public funds from taxes, foreign aid, and donations; he vowed to end extortion and corruption, protect women’s dignity, and enforce one law for all, from ordinary citizens to the president, prime minister, and ministers, with justice not for sale. He promised elected candidates would file annual income and expense reports for themselves and their family members.

He outlined plans for universities to produce skilled nation-builders, not just certificates; no unemployment stipends but dignified work for youth; rural industrialization and agro-based factories so educated youth can transform villages and live proudly with parents; modernization of tea gardens to improve workers’ lives and ensure their children get education and healthcare. Rejecting hereditary politics, he said a labourer’s meritorious child should be able to become prime minister.

Urging a “Yes” vote in the referendum, he said a Yes outcome means Bangladesh “wins” and will be led by honest, committed people who do not flee, while a No means Bangladesh loses. He pledged religious harmony among Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, saying merit—not religion—will determine jobs, no one will be blocked from worship, and allegations against Jamaat remain unproven. He warned unnamed political actors to stop assaults on women, urging people to resist collectively and hand offenders to police; if cases are filed, he said, file them against him first.

Rahman said justice will be ensured for killings of Hadi, Abrar Fahad, Abu Saeed, and others: “Fair justice, not sham trials; if someone is acquitted, fine; if guilty, they will be punished.” He appealed for votes in Habiganj’s four seats—symbols scales, wall clock, and rickshaw—calling them symbols of justice. He promised Jamaat leaders would be guardians, not owners, of people’s wealth and honor.

Addressing state officials, he urged them to serve all 180 million people, not any party or person: “I do not want Jamaat’s victory; I want the victory of Bangladesh’s 180 million people.”