'New Bangladesh' to be born on February 13: Jamaat Ameer

The leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, has declared that 13 February will signal the birth of a “New Bangladesh”. Speaking at a major election rally, he promised a fundamental shift towards a welfare-orientated state where justice is applied equally to all, including the nation’s highest-ranking officials.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has set out a vision for a radical transformation of the nation’s political and social character. Addressing a significant election rally on Friday at the RC College ground in the Hijla–Mehendiganj constituency, he stated that 13 February would mark the beginning of a “New Bangladesh”. Speaking ahead of the 13^th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections, Dr Shafiqur clarified that while the geographical boundaries of the country would remain unchanged, its internal governance would undergo a total overhaul to create a welfare-based state.

A central theme of the leader’s address was the impartial application of the law and the necessity of absolute accountability. Dr Shafiqur pledged that a Jamaat-led governance structure would ensure that no individual is considered above judicial scrutiny, regardless of their status. He asserted that for the same crime for which an ordinary citizen would be tried and punished, even the president or the prime minister would be shown no leniency and would be brought under the purview of justice.

Addressing the persistent issue of graft within the country, the Jamaat Ameer vowed to move beyond superficial fixes. Using a vivid metaphor, he told the rally that the party would not merely pull at the leaves or branches of corruption but would instead “grab corruption by the neck.” He framed the upcoming vote on 12 February as a critical public referendum, urging citizens to participate actively in what he described as a pivotal moment for the nation’s future.

During the event in Barishal, Dr Shafiqur introduced the party’s candidates for the five parliamentary constituencies in Barishal. The rally also featured a notable appearance from Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, the General Secretary of the AB Party and an 11-party alliance candidate for Barishal-3. The Jamaat Ameer concluded by expressing his party’s commitment to strengthening its organisational roots and repaying the trust of the electorate should they be given the mandate to govern.