Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on January 20 formally unveiled its comprehensive political, economic, and governance agenda at the “Policy Summit 2026,” held under the theme “Aspiring Bangladesh.” The high-profile event, attended by diplomats, political leaders, academics, civil society representatives, business figures, and journalists, was positioned by the party as a roadmap for a corruption-free, citizen-first Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12.

The summit served as a platform for Jamaat-e-Islami to articulate its vision for democratic renewal, economic stability, and social justice in what party leaders described as a critical transitional moment in the country’s political history. The event was marked by the keynote address of the party’s Ameer-e Jamaat, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who attended as chief guest and delivered a wide-ranging speech outlining both the challenges facing Bangladesh and the principles guiding Jamaat-e-Islami’s policy framework.

A call for democratic renewal

Opening his address, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman welcomed members of the diplomatic community and other distinguished guests, emphasizing that their presence reflected international interest in Bangladesh’s stability, dignity, and long-term development. He framed the summit as part of a broader effort to present a credible and transparent policy vision to citizens at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for another national election.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman traced Bangladesh’s political journey through the major historical milestones of 1947 and 1971, arguing that while political sovereignty had been achieved, the promises of social justice, economic freedom, and accountable governance remain largely unfulfilled. He stated that democratic institutions had weakened over time and that citizens had repeatedly been denied meaningful participation in political decision-making.

Referring to the political developments of recent years, he described the past seventeen years as a period marked by governance failures, institutional decay, and the shrinking of democratic space. He highlighted the mass protests of July 2024, led largely by young people, as a renewed assertion of citizens’ rights and aspirations.

“After a dark period of fascist rule, we now stand at a crossroads,” Ameer-e Jamaat said, characterizing the present moment as a fragile but crucial democratic transition. According to him, the central challenge facing Bangladesh today is not economic survival, but achieving stability, fairness, and dignity in everyday life.

Economic growth versus economic security

In a critical assessment of the country’s economic trajectory, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman acknowledged that Bangladesh has experienced........

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