Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday outlined a vision for a “New Bangladesh” or “Bangladesh 2.0,” calling for justice, good governance, equality and structural reforms while warning that vested interests are obstructing change to protect corruption and abuse of power.
Speaking in a televised address aired on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, Dr Shafiqur said the nation’s youth demand a state that belongs to all citizens, not political dynasties or elites.
“People want change, but one group fears it, because their path of wrongdoing would be closed,” he said.
Reflecting on the July movement, he described it as a nationwide uprising against discrimination, authoritarianism and inequality.
He stressed that the sacrifices of students, workers and activists must not be wasted and that reforms must prevent citizens from having to take to the streets for basic rights.
Dr Shafiqur outlined Jamaat-e-Islami’s vision for a state based on justice, accountability, transparency and moral governance, promising that reforms would begin immediately if the party assumes power.
He stressed that no citizen should live in fear, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political belief, emphasising religious harmony and equal rights for all.
He framed the upcoming election as a historic opportunity to dismantle entrenched corruption and patronage networks and build a future-oriented state.
The party’s platform emphasises honesty, unity, competence, employment and justice, while rejecting corruption, domination, fascism, unemployment and extortion.
Dr Shafiqur also highlighted women’s empowerment, youth inclusion and strengthening national institutions, promising a Bangladesh where women participate fully in politics, business and public life.
On foreign policy, he pledged balanced international relations, protection of expatriate rights, and effective solutions for Rohingya repatriation and climate challenges.
Urging voters to support Jamaat-e-Islami in the 12 February national election, he called for peaceful polls, respect for democratic processes, and rejection of politics that perpetuate inequality, corruption and exclusion.
“Together, we can build a Bangladesh where dignity, justice, equality and peace define our national life,” he said.
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