“Power Has Passed From One Plunderer to Another,” Says Jamaat Chief Shafiqur Rahman

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that the fundamental rights of the people remain unestablished, while corruption, irregularities and injustice have increased in society.

“It seems that power has been transferred from one plunderer to another,” he said.

Rahman made the remarks as the chief guest at Jamaat-e-Islami’s 2026 Rukon Conference, organised by the party’s Gazipur metropolitan unit at Shaheed Abdul Malek Auditorium in Tongi on Friday morning, October 16.

He alleged that the current government was failing to meet public expectations regarding implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter. According to him, the government was following the path set by the previous Awami League administration. He warned that if the situation continued, the current government could face political consequences similar to those of its predecessor.

Allegations of corruption and politicisation
Criticising the government, the Jamaat chief said allegations of politicisation in the judiciary and educational institutions, along with corruption and irregularities, were being raised.

He said the 2024 political change had raised hopes of building a Bangladesh free from exploitation and discrimination, based on justice and fairness. However, he claimed that new forms of inequality were emerging.

Citing allegations of political interference in educational institutions, plundering and irregularities in development projects, Rahman said the public had not expected this kind of change. He added that people wanted security, justice and a society free from discrimination, and urged Jamaat leaders and activists to play a responsible role in meeting those expectations.

Call for ethical conduct and good behaviour
Addressing party members, Rahman urged them to shape their lives according to Islamic principles and exercise self-discipline while fulfilling their responsibilities to their families and society.

Emphasising respectful behaviour, he said the ideals of Islam should be conveyed by earning people’s respect rather than looking down on them. He argued that Islam had not been established through force alone, but that the exemplary character, conduct and teachings of Prophet Muhammad had inspired people.

He called on party members to reflect Islamic teachings in their personal lives, family relationships and social activities.

Rahman also said that serving Allah throughout one’s life was its fundamental purpose. Describing interest as prohibited in Islam, he urged people to follow religious principles in both their personal and social lives. He also encouraged members to remember that death could come at any time and to prepare through righteous deeds.

Urges party activists to prepare for local elections
Highlighting Gazipur’s importance as a major industrial area, Rahman said the district was home to industrialists, businesspeople and people from various professions. He urged party activists to act responsibly to earn public support in local elections.

Calling for full preparations to win the upcoming local polls, he said Jamaat-e-Islami must step forward to meet the expectations of the country and its people. He added that obstacles should be addressed through political movements and struggle. His speech also emphasised the party’s commitment to organising society and the state in accordance with the principles of the Quran.

Party leaders attend conference
The conference was chaired by Professor Jamal Uddin, chief of Jamaat’s Gazipur metropolitan unit.

Special guests included central executive council members Vice-Principal Abdur Rouf, Maulana Shahjahan and Maulana Delwar Hossain. Also present were northern region leader Dr Khalilur Rahman Madani, former Gazipur district Jamaat chief Abul Hashem Khan and district chief Dr Jahangir Alam.

Other attendees included Amena Begum, secretary of the Gazipur metropolitan women’s division; metropolitan deputy chiefs Md Khairul Hasan and Md Hossain Ali; metropolitan secretary A S M Faruk; assistant secretary Afzal Hossain; and other local leaders.