Staff Correspondent:
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the face of the country will change within five years if we get the responsibility. Justice will be established in 56,000 square miles of Bangladesh and balanced development of every inch of the country’s land will be ensured. The new Bangladesh dreamed of by the young generation and mothers and sisters will be visible in five years, InshaAllah.
He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at an election rally organized by Sylhet District and Metropolitan Jamaat at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa Ground on Saturday (February 7, 2026) afternoon.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that those who have stolen the people’s money, whether they are in the country or abroad, will not be allowed to live in peace. The stolen money will be recovered. However, if someone voluntarily returns the money, it will be taken into consideration.
He said that Sylhet is the spiritual capital of the country. Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) came to fight against tyranny. We are his successors. For the past 54 years, the politics of tyranny has been going on in Bangladesh and Jamaat-e-Islami has been the most oppressed party. However, after the July Uprising on August 5, 2024, Jamaat did not engage in any politics of revenge. It did not even engage in litigation. If anyone is personally affected, there will be an opportunity to seek legal recourse.
Regarding the public meeting, he said, although the public meeting officially started at 2:30 pm, leaders and activists started coming to the field in small processions from noon. Before 3 pm, the Alia Field was filled to the brim. A large number of people were also seen on the surrounding roads. For the first time, a large number of women participated in this public meeting. Separate seating arrangements were made for them. Family members of the martyrs of the July Uprising and injured July fighters were also present on the stage.
Regarding the development of Sylhet, the Jamaat Ameer said, although Sylhet is rich in mineral resources, the people of Sylhet have not got their fair share. Gas and electricity have not reached all areas yet. The rivers have been destroyed. Liquor, marijuana and gambling have spread. If we get the responsibility, we will stop all these. Not only river mining, but a river-friendly Bangladesh will be built. The culture of extortion and bribery will be completely stopped.
He also said, although Sylhet is an expatriate-dominated region, the international airport here is international only in name. There are not enough international flights. We will make Sylhet Airport international in action, not in name. Sylhet Medical University will be converted into a full-fledged university. The pending work of the Dhaka-Sylhet six-lane highway will be completed quickly and the Dhaka-Sylhet railway will be converted to dual gauge and a bullet train will be launched.
Regarding agriculture and laborers, he said, necessary equipment will be given to farmers, fair price of agricultural products will be ensured. Nets will be given to fishermen – nets for those who have nets, and marshes for those who have them. The state will take responsibility for the children of tea garden workers.
Regarding the controversy over his ex (former Twitter) account, he said, a group of mothers and sisters do not know how to respect them. My account was hacked and insulting posts were made. The thief was caught, but they are still siding with the thief. I have forgiven them.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “We want to change this culture of ‘the son of the king will be the king’.” If the children of tea garden workers are qualified, they will also be able to reach worthy positions. Fair salaries and allowances will be ensured for government officials and employees. Even then, strict action will be taken against anyone who takes bribes.
In the last part of his speech, he said, I am a child of this Sylhet. Today, I am not standing as the Ameer of Jamaat, but as one of you. Give us a chance. We will not be the owners of the country, we will be your watchmen. He urged people to vote ‘yes’ in the referendum to steer the country in the right direction.
At the end of the public meeting, Jamaat Ameer handed over party symbols to Jamaat and alliance candidates from 6 constituencies in Sylhet and 3 in Sunamganj and urged them to win. Jamaat’s central and local leaders, as well as various leaders of the 11-party alliance, also spoke at the public meeting.
