Desk Report:
On the occasion of the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum-2026, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed the nation today, Monday (February 9, 2026). At the beginning of the speech, he extended his heartfelt greetings to the countrymen and prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs of July. At the same time, he remembered the martyrs of the great Liberation War with deep respect and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the bloody movement of July.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the July Uprising was not an isolated incident; it was a united movement born from the desire for a non-discriminatory, just and democratic Bangladesh. He mentioned that the young generation, women, workers, rickshaw pullers, professionals, and patriotic members of the armed forces also played an important role in that movement. In his words, “We don’t want July anymore, we want a Bangladesh where people don’t have to take to the streets anymore.”
He alleged that for a long time, state power was vested in the hands of a dynasty and a specific group. He claimed that human rights, voting rights and democratic institutions have been destroyed, especially since 2009. He also alleged that repression was carried out on the people through disappearances, extrajudicial killings and the establishment of so-called ‘mirror houses’. He called the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections ‘a farce in the name of elections’, and said that these are the reasons for the creation of bloody July.
The Jamaat Ameer said that the youth of the country now want to see a new Bangladesh—which they can proudly call “Bangladesh 2.0”. He said that there is a group opposing change, who wants to prevent change for fear of losing power. However, the sacrifices of martyrs including Abrar Fahad, Abu Sayeed, Mughd, Osman Hadi have made the new generation brave. According to him, the future of Bangladesh lies in the hands of these brave, talented and technology-savvy youth.
Regarding the referendum, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that structural reforms of the state are the need of the hour. Although the post-July Revolution government has taken some reform initiatives, many of them remain incomplete. To advance these reform processes, a referendum has been organized along with the National Assembly elections. He urged people to vote for ‘yes’ in this referendum.
Outlining their political plans, the Jamaat Ameer said that for the first time in Bangladesh, they have presented the policies and strategies of running the state to the people through a policy summit. The election manifesto has been formulated based on the opinions of local and foreign experts, expatriates and people from different classes and professions. He said, “If Allah wills and we form a government with the love of the people, we will start implementing our plan after offering Fajr prayers.”
Regarding corruption, he said that in the past, the ruling class has used state power for personal and party interests. Development projects have become tools for looting. However, he claimed that no one who has served on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami has ever been accused of corruption.
Terming the upcoming elections as a ‘great opportunity to move towards a new dream’, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the people have to decide what kind of Bangladesh they want – an exploitation-free, corruption-free and accountable state. He called for the establishment of honest, efficient and sincere leadership.
He said that the Jamaat’s manifesto calls for saying ‘yes’ on 5 issues and ‘no’ on 5 issues. ‘Yes’ – honesty, unity, justice, efficiency and employment; and ‘no’ – corruption, fascism, hegemony, unemployment and extortion.
Regarding women’s rights, the Jamaat Ameer said that no society can prosper without protecting the dignity of women. If women come to power, they will play an active role in the mainstream leadership of society and their security and rights will be ensured.
Regarding religious minorities and human rights, he said, Bangladesh is a country of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. That is their commitment that no one should be in fear because of their religious identity. Regarding international relations and climate change, he spoke of strengthening diplomatic relations on the basis of equality and promised to increase diplomatic activity for the safe return of the Rohingyas.
Remembering the contribution of the expatriates, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the active participation of the expatriates is essential in building a new Bangladesh. He promised to take initiatives for representative elections and proportional representation in parliament for the expatriates.
In the last part of his speech, he emphasized on organizing fair and peaceful elections and expressed gratitude to the administration, law enforcement agencies and journalists. Remembering the martyrs and late leaders and activists, he said, state responsibility is a trust and establishing justice will be their main goal.
Finally, he called on the countrymen to vote for the candidates of Jamaat-e-Islami with the symbol of scales and for the candidates of the 11-party alliance with the symbol of scales on February 12, 2026. He said, “Come, let us all together build a new Bangladesh—where everyone will live with dignity and respect.”
