National Unity Signals Emerge After Shafiqur Rahman–Tarique Rahman Meeting

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has hinted at a new political alignment centered on post-election state-building and national unity.

On Thursday afternoon (January 1), Shafiqur Rahman held a special meeting with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Jamaat leader delivered what he described as a “surprising message” of broader unity aimed at rebuilding the country over the next five years.

At the beginning of the meeting, a Jamaat delegation led by Shafiqur Rahman signed the condolence book for former prime minister Khaleda Zia, praying for the peace of her soul.

Paying tribute to Khaleda Zia, Shafiqur Rahman said she had struggled throughout her life for the restoration of democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights, adding that the respect she earned in history was fully deserved. He alleged negligence in her medical treatment, noting that despite repeated requests for permission to seek treatment abroad, approval came too late, causing irreparable harm.

On future politics, the Jamaat ameer said discussions with Tarique Rahman focused on whether all parties could work together after the national election and before the formation of a government to restore a healthy democratic environment. He added that leaders would meet again after the election but before the oath-taking. He also indicated the possibility of joint street movements in the future, saying meaningful discussions had taken place on unity for the nation’s welfare over the next five years.

Regarding the upcoming election, Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat wants a completely peaceful and transparent poll and remains firmly committed to restoring a proper democratic atmosphere.