Jamaat Ameer Unveils Vision for a ‘New Bangladesh’

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman

Ahead of the national election scheduled for 12 February, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday outlined a political and economic roadmap aimed at building what he described as a new and prosperous Bangladesh.

Presenting the vision at Policy Summit 2026, he said the country’s central challenge has shifted from survival to stability. The proposed “New Bangladesh,” he said, would be rooted in justice and human dignity, guided by a strict zero-tolerance stance on corruption, and ensure women’s participation across all sectors. He stressed that national progress must be built through cooperation among the state, the private sector and the international community.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman described Bangladesh’s independence as part of a long and unfinished struggle for political freedom, economic emancipation and dignity. He said the ideals that inspired the end of colonial rule in 1947 and the 1971 Liberation War were centred on social justice and economic freedom, but noted that those goals remain only partially fulfilled even after more than five decades.

He blamed governance failures and authoritarian practices over the past 17 years for weakening democratic institutions, eroding accountability and limiting citizens’ voices. Referring to the mass mobilisation in July 2024, he said people, particularly the youth, once again stood up to reclaim their rights and shape their future.

“We have crossed a dark chapter of fascist rule and now stand at a decisive moment for democratic transformation,” he said, adding that serious challenges still lie ahead.

On the economy, the Jamaat leader said growth has not translated into quality employment. Rising unemployment and inflation, he noted, have increased hardship for ordinary citizens, while most workers remain trapped in informal, insecure and low-income jobs. He said educated youth face difficulties moving from education to employment, and women continue to encounter systemic barriers.

He argued that economic success should not be judged by growth figures alone, but by people’s security, dignity and ability to plan their lives with confidence.

Calling Bangladesh a country of vast potential, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said its greatest strength lies in its people, both at home and abroad. He described remittances as more than financial inflows, saying they also bring skills, knowledge and global experience.

Emphasising women’s roles, he said sustainable development is impossible without their full participation, describing inclusion as both a matter of justice and an economic necessity.

Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, he claimed that ministries previously led by Jamaat had demonstrated examples of clean and efficient governance.

He concluded by saying the party aims to build a new Bangladesh founded on justice, dignity and shared prosperity, and pledged that the sacrifices made during the July uprising would not be forgotten.