Dr. Shafiqur Rahman
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated on Friday that the 2026 national election was only possible due to the historic mass uprising of 2024. He emphasized that without the events of 2024, the 2026 election would not have taken place, adding that both the current government and the opposition owe their positions to the blood and sacrifices of the martyrs. He strongly urged everyone not to underestimate those who laid down their lives for the nation.
Dr. Shafiqur made these remarks while addressing a workers' meeting organized by the Narayanganj City unit of Jamaat-e-Islami at the Central Eidgah Maidan on Friday afternoon. Expressing deep gratitude to the heroes of 1947, 1952, and 1971, as well as the families of the 2024 martyrs, he recalled how the public consistently stood by their alliance despite facing severe electoral manipulation and intimidation in past regimes.
Addressing the recent referendum and the political friction surrounding it, the Jamaat chief criticized the government's dual stance. He alleged that the current administration was secretly campaigning for the 'No' vote initially, but the Leader of the House later urged the public to vote 'Yes' after facing public backlashes. Pointing out that nearly 67 percent of the population voted in favor of the 'Yes' option, Dr. Shafiqur demanded that all proposed state reforms be fully implemented according to the public mandate, warning that the citizens would otherwise stand as an unyielding barrier against the government.
The opposition leader further accused the current administration of establishing a one-party rule through controversial partisan appointments. He specifically condemned recent appointments made in the Bangladesh Bank, the banking sector, state universities, and District Councils. He argued that the government has failed to control extortionists and curb bribery, stating that corruption has only escalated, leaving ordinary citizens behind while only a few partisan groups benefit.
Turning his attention to local issues, Dr. Shafiqur lamented that Narayanganj, once proudly celebrated as the "Dandy of the East," has lost its former glory to systemic terrorism and extortion. Mentioning the unresolved murder of youth icon Taqi and the current anxieties of local business owners, he argued that genuine regional development requires God-fearing, honest leadership.
Demanding the immediate removal of all unelected administrators across the country, he called for swift local body elections. Dr. Shafiqur formally announced local leader Abdul Jabbar as Jamaat-e-Islami’s mayoral candidate for the Narayanganj City Corporation, declaring that the party will field capable public servants in all 27 wards of the city in the upcoming polls.
