‘We are committed to pluralism, inclusive governance’: Dr Shafiqur Rahman

Interview/Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami

Since the lifting of its ban, the Jamaat-e-Islami has remobilised from its Boro Moghbazar headquarters in Dhaka, fanning out across Bangladesh and among the diaspora to contest its first election in two decades. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman says the party is a disciplined alternative for a young generation disillusioned by corruption and inept governance. Despite the BNP’s reluctance to form a formal alliance, Rahman remains open to "constructive cooperation" and a united national government, provided such partnerships are rooted in shared principles. Excerpts: 

How prepared is the Jamaat-e-Islami to contest its first national election after the lifting of the ban?

Although the formal ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami was imposed only days before the fall of the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina regime, in practice the party had been treated as outlawed since 2013. The Jamaat was de-registered and stripped of its election symbol through the political misuse of the judiciary.

This repression coincided with the collapse of electoral democracy in Bangladesh. The last genuinely free and fair national election was held in 2001. The 2014 election was boycotted by major opposition parties, the 2018 election, infamously described as a ‘night-time vote’, was marred by ballot stuffing before polling day, and the 2024 election again failed to engage voters, despite internal contestation within the ruling camp.

Despite de-registration, mass arrests and intimidation, the Jamaat-e-Islami never disconnected from the people. Our performance in local government elections, particularly the 2014 Upazila Parishad polls, demonstrated the resilience of our organisation and popular support. The recent mass uprising and the judicial restoration of the Jamaat’s registration and symbol have further energised our supporters. Since December 2024, we have been preparing actively for national elections by identifying candidates in all 300 constituencies and engaging directly with communities. Victories by our student organisation in student government elections at leading universities, including Dhaka University, also reflect growing confidence among young voters. In that sense, the Jamaat-e-Islami is not merely prepared, we are ready. Above all, our foremost demand remains a free, fair and credible election.

What lessons has the Jamaat drawn from the years it spent outside formal electoral politics?

Even when excluded from formal electoral politics, the Jamaat never abandoned democratic engagement. In the 2018 national election, we participated through an alliance with the BNP, contesting seats under a shared symbol. That experience reinforced the importance of unity among democratic forces when democracy itself is under threat.

These years ultimately strengthened the Jamaat-e-Islami. We consolidated our organisational structure, reinforced internal discipline and deepened our grassroots engagement. We also reassessed our political strategies to ensure they remain relevant and responsive to contemporary realities. The Jamaat-e-Islami is a progressive and moderate Islamic political party that continually refines its policies in line with changing social, economic and political contexts, while remaining firmly rooted in democratic and people-centred politics.

The Jamaat is often described as a cadre-based ideological party. How do you translate that ideological commitment into mass electoral appeal?

The Jamaat-e-Islami is indeed a cadre-based ideological party, but our ideology is grounded in discipline, accountability, transparency and public service. The Jamaat consistently adheres to its constitution in both letter and spirit. Even during years of repression under Awami League rule, we maintained internal democratic processes and organisational discipline.

At a time when corruption and opportunism have eroded public confidence in politics, people increasingly value consistency and integrity. Independent surveys indicate a rise in popular support for the Jamaat-e-Islami. In today’s political environment, voters prefer principles over opportunism and credibility over rhetoric. In that context, the Jamaat’s ideological commitment is not a limitation but a strength.

How does the Jamaat plan to engage young and first-time voters?

The Jamaat-e-Islami’s vision resonates strongly with a generation disillusioned by corruption, broken promises and ineffective governance. Young people seek purpose, integrity and opportunity, and the Jamaat offers a credible alternative rooted in values and responsibility. This connection is already visible on university campuses nationwide.

Our policy priorities focus on employment generation, skills development and entrepreneurship, enabling young people to build dignified careers at home rather than being forced to migrate. We view youth not as a problem to be managed but as partners in national development. The Jamaat also upholds the spirit of July, a defining moment when young people made sacrifices in the struggle for democracy, accountability and freedom.

Critics argue that the Jamaat’s past continues to overshadow its present.

I do not agree that the Jamaat-e-Islami’s past overshadows its present. The people of Bangladesh are well aware of our history and have, on multiple occasions, expressed confidence in the Jamaat through the ballot. No party’s past should be assessed in isolation or used to deny present democratic participation.

That said, the Jamaat believes in moral responsibility and reconciliation. As Ameer of the Jamaat-e-Islami, I have publicly stated that if any individual has suffered harm due to the actions of any Jamaat member since 1947, I sincerely seek forgiveness. This reflects our commitment to humility, ethical accountability and justice.

How open is the Jamaat to alliances or electoral understandings with other political parties?

We believe cooperation among political forces is essential to restoring democracy and stability in Bangladesh. The Jamaat is open to alliances based on principles rather than short-term expediency.

Our approach rests on three non-negotiable principles: commitment to the spirit of July and resistance to authoritarianism; zero tolerance for corruption; and a genuine commitment to pro-Bangladesh politics that prioritises national interest and public welfare. In line with this approach, the Jamaat has already formed an electoral alliance with ten political parties, reflecting our belief that national renewal requires principled cooperation across ideological lines.

What is the Jamaat’s position on democracy, gender inclusion and minority rights? Why are there no women candidates?

The Jamaat-e-Islami is firmly committed to democracy, pluralism and inclusive governance. Our vision is rooted in justice, equal citizenship and human dignity for all Bangladeshis. Reflecting this, the Jamaat has nominated a candidate from the Hindu community, underscoring our commitment to meaningful minority representation.

Regarding women’s participation, the Jamaat has a long record of women’s involvement in organisational leadership and policymaking. The absence of a female candidate results from coalition-based seat allocation, under which one candidate has been nominated per constituency. Female candidates fielded by alliance partners are fully supported by the Jamaat as shared coalition candidates.

In past local elections, the Jamaat has nominated numerous women, and women members have played influential roles within parliamentary activities and policy formulation. Our policy framework emphasises a broad-based national government that ensures meaningful participation of women, minorities, youth and marginalised communities at all levels.