“I Am the Whole of Bangladesh”: Dr. Shafiqur Rahman

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, said, “I have no specific address— the whole of Bangladesh is my address. You may say that ‘Whole Bangladesh’ is also written on trucks, but yes, I am the whole of Bangladesh. If we can form the government, I will deliver development to every household.” He made the remarks on Friday (6 February) at a rally held at Bauphal Public Ground in support of the Scales symbol, organized by the 11-party alliance.

He further said, “A new sun will rise in Bangladesh on 13 February. If we can be illuminated by that sunlight, I promise you will not need to ask us for anything—we will come to you and fulfill your needs.” Describing the Scales as a symbol of justice and fairness, he claimed that voting for this symbol would eliminate bribery, corruption, extortion, and looting, ensuring safety and dignity for women.

Criticizing previous governments, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said they had carried out every possible wrongdoing and siphoned off thousands of crores of taka abroad. He pledged that if Jamaat forms the government with public support, all laundered money would be brought back and spent on national development. He also said voters would cast ballots on two issues on 12 February—“Yes” votes and symbol votes—adding that a “Yes” vote would free the nation from subjugation.

At the rally, Bauphal constituency candidate for the Scales symbol, Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, said he would transform Bauphal into a model upazila if elected. He promised permanent embankments to prevent river erosion, development of educational and religious institutions, modernization of agriculture, formation of women’s protection cells, and upgrading Bauphal Hospital to a 250-bed facility. The rally saw a massive turnout, with the venue overflowing and people occupying nearby buildings, balconies, and rooftops.