United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday pledged to restore the Teesta River, saying his party is committed to reviving its flow and safeguarding the livelihoods of those dependent on it. “Teesta will be the economic hub of North Bengal,” he said while addressing an election rally at the Teesta Barrage helipad ground, jointly organized by the Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat district units of the party. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the river’s water would make the entire North Bengal fertile and prevent thousands of families from becoming destitute due to river erosion. “We promise to implement the Teesta plan at any cost, Inshallah,” he added. Want to see peace in hill areas, says Jamaat Ameer He emphasized that the party will prioritize national interests. “We will not hurt anyone’s interests, but we will not accept it if someone harms our interests first,” he said. Dr Shafiqur Rahman also highlighted other development priorities, including modernizing the Burimari land port, and said, “Bangladesh’s development will start from the Teesta bank. The people of this region have been deprived for ages.” He added that the party is committed to remaining with the people through good and difficult times. Referring to the upcoming election, he said, “This election is to show a red card to those who have been dishonest with the nation. Politics is not business or extortion; it is the king’s policy. On February 13th, a new sun will rise in the eastern sky of Bangladesh. We want to build a new Bangladesh with everyone.” He stressed the need for a change in power and said, “We will never leave the people of the country. We have announced that North Bengal will become the agricultural capital of the country. Employment in this region will drive national development, and crops produced here will meet domestic needs and be exported abroad, Inshallah.” Ballot seals seized in Lakshmipur, Jamaat leader, another sued Addressing women, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “Currently, mothers and sisters are being humiliated. We will give our lives if necessary, but we will not let anyone take away their honor. We view the 90 million women of this country as our mothers, and they will be educated, empowered, and able to contribute to building the nation safely and with dignity, Inshallah.” On the referendum, he said, “Yes means freedom, and no means slavery. We all will cast 'Yes' vote  on February 12, Inshallah, and encourage others to vote.” The rally was presided over by Lalmonirhat district Jamaat Ameer Advocate Abu Taher and moderated by Nilphamari district Jamaat secretary Maulana Antazul Islam. Special guests included Jamaat central assistant secretary Maulana Abdul Halim, Rangpur-Dinajpur region assistant director Principal Maulana Momtaz Uddin, team member Abdur Rashid, Nilphamari district Jamaat Ameer Principal Maulana Abdus Sattar, and leaders of the 11-party alliance in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday warned that unfair elections would no longer be tolerated in Bangladesh and that any attempt to follow such paths would be resisted. “There will be no more elections through backdoor means, nor will such elections be allowed. All backdoor paths will be shut,” he said while addressing a public rally at Katiadi Government College ground in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj district. The Jamaat Ameer said he does not want the victory of Jamaat alone but the victory of the country’s 180 million people. “If 180 million people win, that victory will belong to all of us,” he said. Laundered money to be brought back, promises Jamaat Ameer He urged all concerned to respect the people’s verdict on February 12. “Jamaat will be ready to congratulate whoever is elected through a fair election.” Noting that Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted and siphoned off abroad, the Jamaat Ameer vowed to recover the money and deposit it in the state treasury to ensure development across the country.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party would invite rival political parties to take part in running the country if Jamaat comes to power with a parliamentary majority. Speaking at a rally at Chouddagram High School ground in Cumilla , he said, “If we achieve a majority, we will offer those who are now competing with us to play a role in governing the country. However, the condition is that they must not engage in corruption and must implement July charter.” He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami would form a unity government if it secures a majority in the next national election. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh has historically stood by the oppressed and would continue to do so. “We do not want victory for Jamaat-e-Islami alone, we want a collective victory for 18 crore people,” he said. Condemning violence against women, the Jamaat ameer said the country’s nine crore mothers and sisters would never be safe under those who assault women, describing protest against such oppression as a moral responsibility. He warned that Jamaat would not allow anyone who assaults women to go unpunished. Jamaat Ameer warns fascism-free Bangladesh impossible without reforms The Jamaat leader also called for unity among candidates of the 11-party alliance to ensure victory in all 300 parliamentary constituencies. He expressed hope that a new chapter would begin after February 12, with young people as well as the country’s mothers and sisters playing a central role. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the party no longer wanted fascism or corruption in government. “If you vote for us and we come to power, you will see Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher as a senior member of the cabinet,” he said. Referring to past repression, he said Jamaat leaders and activists had remained in the country despite difficulties. “We were there, we are here, and we will remain, InshaAllah.”

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his Bashundhara office  in the capital on Thursday morning. The two sides exchanged views on various issues including Bangladesh’s prevailing political and economic situation, industry and trade, the national election, state reforms and the Rohingya issue, accreting to a social media post of the political party. Both sides also expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States in future. Read More: US proud to call Bangladesh a friend: US Ambassador Jamaat assistant secretary general and central publicity and media department chief Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, central executive council member Md Mobarak Hossain and the Ameer’s foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan were also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged his party leaders and activists to forge strong resistance against what they said fascism whether it is old or new one. “We don’t care whether it’s a new or old force—any form of fascism must be resisted with determination,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Paduar Bazar in Cumilla Sadar Dakkhin upazila in the morning. “The martyrs who shed their blood for Bangladesh left us a sacred trust. We will not allow anyone to betray their sacrifice. We want to uphold the value of their blood,” the Jamaat Ameer added. “We don’t want an election for the sake of it. Our leaders and activists must be prepared,” he said. No credible election possible without basic reforms: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat chief addressed four roadside rallies on his way to Feni to attend a party event. Dr Shafiq warned, “We are observing how some parties are looting and grabbing everything. We urge them to restrain themselves; otherwise, people will resist you.” The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Cumilla city Ameer Qazi Din Mohammad. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Maulana ATM Mohammad Masum, central Majlish-e-Shura member and Cumilla South district Ameer Advocate Mohammad Shahjahan, North district Ameer Prof Abdul Matin and city Nayeb-e-Ameer Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, among others, also spoke at the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced on Thursday that he will voluntarily surrender on February 25 if imprisoned party leader ATM Azharul Islam is not released. Shafiqur expressed frustration over what he termed as "fascist oppression" and "discrimination" against ATM Azharul, who remains behind bars despite the release of other national leaders. Release Azharul Islam: Jamaat Ameer "It is no longer possible for me to remain outside while he (ATM Azharul Islam) is in prison. We have given the government enough time," he said. The Jamaat Ameer called on the Law Ministry and the Home Ministry to take necessary steps, affirming that he would be at the designated location as planned. UN report exposes genocide under Hasina: Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that a congenial election environment cannot be ensured without minimum reforms. "A fair election is necessary where every citizen can exercise their voting rights," he said after inspecting flood-affected areas at Kalikapur village in Mirzanagar union along Muhuri River and Ballamukhar Dam in Parshuram upazila on Monday. Jamaat pledges to honour student sacrifices: Dr Shafiqur Rahman Dr Shafiqur urged all conscientious people to support the families of martyrs and those injured during the July movement. "Just as we owe a debt to our martyrs, we are also indebted to expatriates for their role in the country's transformation," he added. Highlighting corruption in embankment projects, the Jamaat chief said, "The repeated collapse of embankments is due to widespread corruption. If there were no corruption, why would we need to allocate a budget for embankment construction every year?" He also criticised the lack of scientific methods in embankment construction. About the situation at Ballamukhar Dam, he said, "This embankment lies on the border between two countries. The eroded section falls within India's no-man’s land, causing significant damage to our territory. A permanent solution with India is necessary, and sustainable embankments must be built." Later, speaking at a roadside gathering organised by the Parshuram upazila and municipality Jamaat near Sonali Bank in Parshuram, Dr Shafiqur said, "Everyone is well—may Allah keep everyone well. But after August 5, India imposed severe hardship on Bangladesh, leading to devastating floods in Parshuram, Feni, Noakhali and Lakshmipur. The common people suffered immensely." He assured that he would discuss with the government ways to ensure lasting peace for the people of Feni and permanent repairs for the embankments. "Only under the rule of the Quran can true justice be achieved. Jamaat is working towards establishing Quranic governance. If the law of the Quran is implemented, there will be no discrimination—everyone will receive justice, and the people will live in safety," the Jamaat leader said. "The people of this country lack both dignity and security. If we can establish a state based on the Quran, we will govern according to its laws," he added. People won’t vote for looters in next election: Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Jamaat's central Assistant Secretary General ATM Masum, Assistant Secretary of Dhaka North city Dr Fakhruddin Manik and Feni district Jamaat Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan were, among others, present.

Jamaat-e-Islami will spare no effort in fulfilling the aspirations of the students who fought during the July uprising, said the party’s Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. "The parents of the martyrs hold their heads high, for not every parent is fortunate enough to raise a hero. We will remain forever indebted to their sacrifices," he said on Monday. Dr Shafiqur made the remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting the grave of Ishtiak Ahmed Srabon, a distinguished student of Feni Government College who was killed during the July uprising in Mohipal, Feni. People won’t vote for looters in next election: Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer At Srabon’s grave, the Jamaat Ameer offered Fatiha, paying tribute to his memory. "It is because of courageous souls like Srabon that we have achieved the new Bangladesh," he said. At Srabon’s grave in Ananda Pur Union, Phulgazi, Dr Shafiqur became emotional and broke down in tears. He expressed deep sympathy to Srabon’s family and prayed for the salvation of his departed soul. It was part of Dr Shafiqur’s trip to the Ballarmukha Dam in Parshuram upazila, near the Feni border. Every mass killing must be prosecuted: Jamaat Ameer

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday called for unity among all anti-fascist political parties to build a “new Bangladesh” driven by the aspirations of the youth who are fighting for freedom with the spirit of the 2024 Liberation War. Speaking at the 12th General Council session of Khelafat Majlish held at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital in the morning, the Jamaat Ameer stressed the importance of collective action to establish a democratic future for the nation. No compromise on national unity: Jamaat Ameer  “Bangladesh will move forward according to the aspirations of the youth participating in the Liberation War of 2024. In the new Bangladesh, all anti-fascist political parties will stand united,” he said. The Jamaat chief, however, lamented, "Over the past decade and a half, the nation’s Islamic scholars have been subjected to unprecedented levels of injustice and vendetta in the country." Leaders and activists from various Islamic political organisations joined the conference. AL's accomplices tasked with destabilising country: Jamaat Ameer

In a call for the medical community to play their due role in societal development, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that doctors have the power to create a more humane nation. “Doctors, if they want, can build a humane nation,” he said while addressing the National Medical Conference, held at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Wednesday. Shafiqur Rahman urged doctors to take the lead in building an ideal society, saying that an integral part of this process involves addressing internal inequalities within the country. Jamaat chief accuses Awami League of murderous politics "To move the nation forward, we must eliminate all forms of inequality. Once inequalities are removed, the nation will progress," he added. Pointing at the broader need for national transformation, the Jamaat Ameer said, “A true wave of change has emerged in Bangladesh. To sustain this change, we must work together in unity.” He noted that these changes are necessary for creating a society that benefits everyone, especially the marginalised. AL's accomplices tasked with destabilising country: Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman also focused on medical research, urging doctors to take up advanced research to set an example for the creation of a humane state. “Healthcare can be a model for building a compassionate nation, so doctors should prioritize research and innovation.”