Shershpur Clash Reflects Political Intolerance: Dr. Shafiqur Rahman

On Thursday (29 January) at 11 a.m., during an event in Mirpur-10, Dhaka, he stated that the incident demonstrates that many people cannot tolerate the success or victory of other parties.

Earlier on Wednesday, a Jamaat leader was killed in the clash in Shershpur-3 (Shreebardi-Jhenaigati) during a scheduled electoral manifesto reading event organized by the Jhenaigati Upazila administration. The deceased, Maulana Rezaul Karim, was Shreebardi Upazila Jamaat secretary and a lecturer at the local Fatehpur Fazil Madrasa.

At the inauguration of the party’s “multimedia bus” for digital campaigns in Dhaka-15, Shafiqur Rahman said that the Shershpur incident raises serious questions about equal opportunity or a level playing field in the electoral arena. He added that they will continue to protest, emphasizing that it is not only their right but the public’s right.

He spoke of envisioning a “New Bangladesh,” which, according to him, does not imply changing the country’s boundaries but rather transforming people’s thinking, character, and governance philosophy. He stressed the need to build a society free of discrimination, corruption, and crime. He highlighted youth employment, economic recovery, and justice through the implementation of the 11-party agenda to form a government of change. Regarding the referendum, he urged that a “Yes” vote would end the old fascist politics, allowing competent authorities to take responsibility for state management while ensuring the safety of citizens and their property.