Jamaat pledges to fight corruption, boost agri if elected

Ameer Dr Shafiqur tours north Bengal districts for campaigning

FE REPORT | Published: January 24, 2026 23:19:22

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said the party is ready to make supreme sacrifices for the country the way "July Uprising martyr Abu Sayeed did".
"We will not bow to the unjust, even if we die. Just as Abu Sayeed sacrificed his life, we are ready to lay down our lives for the nation. We will not mortgage an inch of the country's land to anyone," he said while speaking to the media after visiting Shaheed Abu Sayeed's grave at Jafarpur Bamanpara in Rangpur's Pirganj around 9:00am on Saturday.
"We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Abu Sayeed and other martyrs - a human Bangladesh free from corruption, terror, fascism, and aggression - and establishing the justice for which they took to the streets," he added.
During an election campaign organised by the 10-party electoral alliance at SM High School playground in Palashbari upazila, Gaibandha, Dr Shafiqur said, "Extortionists have nothing to fear. If we are elected, we will help you earn respectable livelihoods so that no one calls you an extortionist or your spouse the wife of an extortionist. Give up wrongdoing, and you can live in society with honour and dignity."
He noted that farmers are often unable to get fair prices for their crops due to middlemen and extortionists.
"If Jamaat comes to power, we will eliminate the culture of extortion," he vowed.
Dr Shafiqur also said Jamaat plans to transform northern Bangladesh into the country's agricultural hub.
He highlighted that many rivers in the region have nearly dried up.
"If the rivers return to their natural course, the north Bengal region will regain life," he said.
The party will prioritise river restoration and develop a master plan for the Teesta and other rivers in the north.
"We do not want to see the shadow of expansionist forces in our country. We seek friendship with civilised nations and good relations with our neighbours. We will not impose influence on others, nor accept external interference. Our stance is clear: we want to prevent the resurgence of fascism and achieve massive change," he added.
Dr Shafiqur urged voters to cast 'yes' votes in the upcoming referendum, scheduled on the same day as the national elections on February 12, saying that positive results would align with the general election outcomes.
Calling north Bengal the country's granary, he emphasised the need for multiple agricultural universities in the region, with Gaibandha to be prioritised. An export processing zone will also be set up to promote processed agricultural products.
Dr Shafiqur handed over the party's electoral symbol to candidates contesting the 13th national elections from five constituencies in Gaibandha.
In another campaign at Sherpur in Bogura, he promised voters that Jamaat, if elected, would eradicate corruption and never misuse public funds.
"Justice will be ensured for all. Courts will act based on evidence, not religion, profession, caste, or status," he said.
He added that Bogura would be upgraded to a city corporation, a second Jamuna bridge would be constructed, and the Shaheed Chandu Stadium would be revived to host international matches.
Referring to Bogura as the heart of northern Bangladesh, he outlined plans for state reform, economic development, and public welfare.
On economic issues, he claimed nearly Tk 28 trillion had been embezzled in the past fifteen and a half years. Jamaat will work to recover these funds for public development.
Addressing rising prices, he blamed extortion for preventing farmers from receiving fair prices and forcing higher costs on consumers.
Regarding women's empowerment, he said ensuring dignity and safety is the state's responsibility, and Islam does not prevent women from working.
To the youth, he said Jamaat would create direct employment opportunities rather than handouts, allowing young people to earn with self-respect. All development projects would be funded publicly, not from personal wealth.
Dr Shafiqur said that if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, Bogura would become a model city in northern Bangladesh.
He handed over the party's electoral symbol, the 'Scale', to Jamaat candidate Maulana Dabibur Rahman for the Sherpur-Dhunot constituency.
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