Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman Returns: Calls for Harmony, Confirms Pre-Announced Candidates
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasized that disagreement among political parties is the beauty of democracy, but stressed that such disagreements should not escalate into outright conflict. He stated, “Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami wants to see the election in February with everyone’s participation.”
He made these remarks to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka early Tuesday morning (November 4th) upon returning home from an overseas trip.
On Election Candidates and Alliances
When asked when Jamaat would announce its candidates, given that the BNP had already released its list, Shafiqur Rahman replied:
“We announced this list regionally in various ways almost a year ago. We will announce the final list, Insha’Allah, from the center at the appropriate time. Since we will not contest the election alone but will also accommodate many others, we will finalize and announce the final list at the right time, considering all aspects for the benefit of the nation and the country.”
On Leadership and Responsibilities
In response to a question about his re-election as the party’s Ameer, he stated:
“I was not ‘elected’ as Ameer; rather, my colleagues have entrusted me with a responsibility. This is a very heavy responsibility. I ask for your prayers so that Allah helps me fulfill this duty for the country and the deen (religion). Alongside that, I seek your cooperation.”
Demand for Expatriate Voting Rights
The Jamaat Ameer also demanded that the Election Commission extend the registration deadline by another 15 days to ensure the voting rights of expatriate Bangladeshis.
International Tour
Shafiqur Rahman had traveled to Saudi Arabia on October 19th to perform Umrah. From there, he went to the United States on October 22nd, where he participated in a press conference in New York. He later traveled to the United Kingdom before returning home early Tuesday morning. He was greeted by party activists at Shahjalal International Airport.
