Jamaat chief Shafiqur says not everyone gets a farewell like Khaleda’s

He expresses interest in renewing the long-term alliance with BNP

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said the outpouring of emotion and respect for former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was not a farewell that “everyone is fortunate” to receive.

Speaking at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Thursday evening, he urged other politicians to serve the country by following her example.

Shafiqur also met with Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

“We came here to fulfil a moral duty,” he said.

Recounting Khaleda’s struggle to restore democracy in Bangladesh, he said: “Her send-off (Wednesday) was marked by historic honour. People bade her a tearful farewell. This was her due recognition. Her contributions to the nation have been acknowledged by Allah, and seeing this, we too are inspired.”

He added, “If we can contribute to the country in the same way, perhaps one day the people will honour us with a similar farewell. Such respect is rare, and being bid goodbye with tears is a profound mark of recognition.”

The Jamaat chief also commented on the election and referendum, urging for a smooth, fair, and credible electoral process.

He recalled Jamaat’s long-term alliance with BNP, adding: “We have worked together in the past and, God willing, will continue to do so in the future.”

“BNP leaders, including Tarique Rahman, have expressed the same wish,” he divulged.

He said Jamaat plans to hold meetings with BNP after the election before forming a government, to “make decisions for the country”.