Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday said the party would not make promises beyond its capacity and would present only realistic and achievable plans to the nation.
He made the remarks while speaking at a live interactive programme titled "Hello Our Leader" at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Students and youths from various educational institutions participated in the event.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat had already published a "People's Manifesto" to gather public opinions, adding that the proposals received would be incorporated into the party's final manifesto. He emphasized that youth perspectives were being prioritized and translated into phased, practical programmes.
Addressing the country's student and youth population, he described the late Sharif Osman Hadi as a courageous voice against authoritarianism and urged young people to uphold his ideals. He said true leadership depends on mental strength and resilience against injustice, not on age.
Referring to Bangladesh's political history, he said exploitation persisted after 1947, while the denial of the 1970 election results made the Liberation War inevitable. Although independent Bangladesh began its journey in 1972, a just and discrimination-free state has yet to be fully established, he added.
He alleged that from January 2009 to August 5, 2024, the country experienced fascist rule and said the suppression of quota reform demands paved the way for the recent mass uprising led by students and youths. He paid tribute to those killed and injured during the movement.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also expressed condolences over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed sympathy to her family.
