Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has pledged to ensure the security and equal rights of people from all religions and communities, while promising strict action to protect women from harassment and intimidation if his party comes to power.
Addressing an election rally organised by the Naogaon district Jamaat at A. Tim ground in Naogaon town on Thursday afternoon, Dr Shafiqur said no citizen should feel unsafe because of their faith. He stressed that Bangladesh belongs to all its people and that progress must be achieved through mutual respect and unity.
“This country belongs to all of us. No one should live in fear because of their religion,” he said, adding that Jamaat would work to safeguard the rights and security of every community.
Focusing on women’s safety, the Jamaat chief said his party would ensure a dignified and secure environment for women at home, in workplaces and in public spaces. He said firm measures would be taken to prevent harassment and threats, adding that no one would dare to mistreat the “daughters of the nation”.
Dr Shafiqur also spoke strongly against corruption and extortion, saying Jamaat would not tolerate corrupt practices or illegal activities. He claimed that large amounts of public money had been looted and syphoned abroad over the years and vowed that efforts would be made to recover misappropriated funds if the party assumes power.
Highlighting Naogaon’s importance as one of the country’s key agricultural districts, he said the area contributes significantly to Bangladesh’s total food production but has long been deprived of the development it deserves. He said a government formed through the people’s votes would ensure the district’s overall development, including modern roads, improved healthcare services and fair prices for farmers.
He emphasised the need to upgrade Naogaon’s main roads to four lanes and establish quality hospitals to meet growing healthcare demands. Addressing farmers’ concerns, he said cultivators are often forced to sell their produce quickly due to a lack of storage facilities, resulting in unfair prices. To address this, he outlined plans to establish rice and fruit research institutes, build multiple preservation facilities and develop the northern region as an agricultural industrial hub.
Turning to tourism, Dr Shafiqur said Naogaon has significant potential, but development has been hampered by neglect and corruption. He said the sector would be prioritised while preserving the district’s archaeological and historical sites.
He also referred to recent allegations of a cyber campaign against him, claiming that his old X account had been hacked in recent days. He said those responsible had been identified by Jamaat’s cyber team and detained, alleging that such actions were aimed at undermining efforts to keep the country independent and sovereign.
Addressing unemployment, the Jamaat leader said young people who participated in the July mass uprising did not seek handouts. Instead, he said Jamaat would focus on creating employment opportunities by developing skills and promoting productive sectors.
Dr Shafiqur reiterated his commitment to ensuring that people of all religions can live peacefully in Bangladesh without discrimination. At the end of the rally, he formally handed over election symbols to Jamaat candidates contesting seats in the district.
The rally was chaired by Naogaon district Jamaat Ameer and Naogaon-4 constituency candidate K M Abdur Rakib. It was also addressed by Barrister Shahriar Kabir, AB Party district convener Advocate Atikur Rahman, and Jamaat candidates from the Naogaon-1 to Naogaon-6 constituencies, alongside student and youth leaders.
Family members of those killed and injured during the July mass uprising were also present, including the mother of martyr Fahmin, as supporters gathered in large numbers at the venue.
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