By Emdadur Rahman Chowdhury Zia
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has said that “Religion is personal, but Bangladesh belongs to everyone.” He emphasized that Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians — people of all faiths — should be able to live in this country with equal dignity. “There should be no concept of minority in this nation,” he said.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with members of the Hindu community at the Kulaura Municipality Auditorium on Tuesday, April 29, at 11:30 AM, as part of the party’s nationwide public engagement program, he stated: “For the past 15 and a half years, we have faced severe oppression. But who governs the state is not for us to decide — that decision will be made by Allah. Those chosen will be loved and trusted by the people by the will of Allah, not by force. When leadership is taken by force, disgrace follows. We do not want to be victims of that disgrace.”
He further said that if people willingly and lovingly give them the responsibility of governance, they will try to uphold justice for all, beyond the divides of party or religion. “A garden cannot bloom with one kind of flower alone. We want to build a garden with many flowers — with people of all faiths. After August 5, during Durga Puja, fearing attacks, our party workers voluntarily guarded temples — not out of state duty, but moral responsibility. As long as our Hindu brothers felt the need, our workers stood by them.”
He expressed hope that in the future, such protection would no longer be necessary, and religious celebrations could be held peacefully. “If any oppressor attacks in the future, we will resist together — united.”
Dr. Shafiqur also stated: “We do not believe in politics of revenge or vengeance. Such politics can never bring peace. If someone is subjected to violence, they should seek legal recourse.” He criticized a past statement by Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who allegedly claimed that 500,000 Awami League supporters would be killed within two days of the party losing power. “However,” Shafiqur noted, “apart from a few isolated incidents, no such violence occurred.”
On the topic of education, he said that Jamaat-e-Islami, if in power, would make its biggest investment in the education sector. “Every child will be treated like our own. Along with ensuring basic rights, we will train students to become job-ready before graduation. Why should students take job exams after SSC, HSC, and master’s degrees? This shows a lack of trust in our education system. Talent in our country remains suppressed due to a lack of support. We will end corruption and the syndicate culture that has gripped society.”
Answering reporters’ questions after the meeting, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said: “The Chief Advisor has stated that the election will be held either in December or by June next year. We want to see him keep that promise. We do not want to see him go back on his word. Since some reforms are under discussion, the election may or may not be held in December. Ramadan will be in March next year, so we have suggested mid-February as a suitable time.”
The views-exchange meeting was presided over by Kulaura Upazila Jamaat Ameer, Assistant Professor Md. Abdul Muntazim, and moderated by General Secretary Belal Ahmed Chowdhury. Other speakers included Soumya Pradeep Bhattacharya Sajal (retired principal of Kulaura Government College), Dr. Arunava Dey (President, Upazila Puja Udjapan Parishad), Dr. Rajat Kanti Bhattacharya (Convener, Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council), Ajay Das (Secretary, Puja Committee), Mouluvibazar Jamaat Secretary Yameer Ali, and other local community leaders such as Bichitra Dey, Member Satya Narayan Naidu, Ashok Dhar, Tazul Islam, and Rajanur Rahim Iftekhar.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attended several events: a Dawati (outreach) meeting at Nawabganj Bazar in Bhukshimail Union at 10 AM, another outreach meeting at Juri Night Choumuhani at 1:30 PM, an education session with Islami Chhatra Shibir members at 3:30 PM, Asr prayer and speech at Robirbazar Mosque at 5 PM, and additional Dawati meetings at Pritimpasha Union in the evening, Brahmanbazar Union at 7 PM, and Vatera Union at 8:30 PM.
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