News Flash
CUMILLA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged to empower every woman in the country, stating that he aims to transform their hands into tools for nation-building, ensuring they are entrusted with dignified jobs.
"We will transform every woman's hand into a tool for nation-building and entrust them with dignified work. Provisions will be made for women to pursue education up to a post-graduation at government expense," he told at the 11-party alliance's electoral rally at the historic Town Hall ground in Cumilla.
Jamaat Ameer also emphasized the party's commitment to providing youth with job opportunities, asserting that Jamaat-e-Islami believes in empowering the nation's workforce, not in giving out unemployment benefits.
"Our youth did not fight for unemployment allowances, but for their right to work," he said, adding, "The party will ensure that every young person becomes a builder of the nation."
Dr. Rahman reiterated his promise to the people of Cumilla regarding the establishment of a new division. "We declared that Cumilla will have its own division, and we will make sure it happens, even if we are not in power," he said.
The Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer further highlighted the need to connect Cumilla's EPZ with the proposed airport for effective communication and employment generation. He assured the crowd that, under Jamaat's leadership, the airport would open, and the EPZ would be upgraded to international standards.
Criticizing the dynastic politics that has dominated Bangladesh's political landscape, Dr. Rahman said, "We do not want family-based politics. The days when a king's son or a queen's daughter could inherit power without merit should end."
He stressed that his party believes in a meritocracy where anyone, regardless of their background, could aspire to lead the nation.
The Jamaat Chief also condemned the 'politics of revenge' practiced by the past ruling parties and reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami's stance against such divisive politics. "We believe in justice and fairness. We want to create a Bangladesh where a rickshaw puller's son could become the Prime Minister if they have the required capabilities," he said.
Reflecting on the hardships faced by Jamaat-e-Islami in the past, Dr. Rahman said, "We have been a persecuted party, and we have stood by the martyrs' families. We have shared in their sorrow and pledged to uphold their sacrifices."
He recalled the emotional visits to families of those martyred during political unrest, saying, "We have seen tears of blood in the eyes of children who asked, 'When will my father return?' We have no answers for the families of the disappeared. But the people are rising for a new Bangladesh."
Dr. Rahman concluded with a call for change, noting the youth's dreams of a reformed Bangladesh free from outdated, fascist politics. "On February 12, we will cast two votes for a new Bangladesh-yes for reforms and no for the return of old, oppressive politics," he said.
Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary Generals Maulana ATM Masum and Maulana Abdul Halim, Vice President of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Abu Shadik Kayem and National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser for Southern region and candidate for Comilla-4 Hasnat Abdullah also addressed the rally.
Cumilla City Jamaat Ameer Kazi Zine Mohammad, Maulana Yasin Arafat, candidate for Comilla-10; Dr. Shafiqul Alam Helal, candidate for Comilla-8; Dr. Mobarak Hossain, candidate for Comilla-5; Dr. Syed Sarwar Uddin Siddiqui, candidate for Comilla-9; Maulana Solaiman Khan, candidate for Comilla-7; Yusuf Hakim Sohel, candidate for Comilla-3 and Nazim Uddin Molla, candidate for Comilla-2 were also present on the occasion.
The rally saw a large turnout from Cumilla and surrounding areas, with LED screens installed across the city for wider public viewing.
