Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, a senior leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has emerged as a prominent figure in the country’s contemporary political landscape by combining modern education, organized leadership, and religious values. As the upcoming parliamentary election in the Dhaka-15 constituency approaches, he has once again become the focus of political discussion. The election, scheduled to be held on 12 February, will see Dr. Shafiqur Rahman contesting as the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, while his main rival is BNP Youth Wing leader Shafiqul Islam, popularly known as Milton.
Election campaigning in Dhaka-15 has already gained momentum. Streets, neighborhoods, and public gathering points across the constituency have witnessed the active presence of hundreds of male and female campaigners supporting Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. According to local residents, his personal credibility, long political experience, and reputation for integrity have placed him in a strong position in the electoral race.
Commitment to Justice and Equality
Justice and fairness form the central theme of Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s political discourse. He consistently emphasizes that sustainable development is impossible without moral governance and the establishment of justice. Jamaat-e-Islami, under his leadership, has pledged to transform Bangladesh into a society free from discrimination, where all citizens—regardless of religion, political affiliation, or social status—are treated equally before the law.
In its party declarations, Jamaat-e-Islami has vowed to eliminate corruption, oppression, extortion, looting, and violent activities from public life. Party leaders and supporters believe that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s leadership will play a decisive role in translating these commitments into practice if the party is entrusted with state power.
Reputation for Integrity and Organizational Skills
Throughout his long political career, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has been known for his personal honesty, polite demeanor, and strong organizational abilities. Party and political sources claim that no corruption allegations against him have ever been proven—an aspect that stands out in Bangladesh’s often contentious political environment.
Political analysts note that this clean image has helped him gain the trust of ordinary citizens. His role in strengthening Jamaat-e-Islami’s organizational structure, both within the country and among expatriate communities abroad, is widely acknowledged. Discipline, continuity of leadership, and ideological commitment have enabled the party to re-emerge in recent years as a well-organized and politically active force.
Influence on Student Politics and the Youth
Under Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s leadership, Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, has consolidated its organizational presence in several universities across the country. The group’s recent successes in various student union elections have renewed political debate and drawn attention to its growing influence.
Observers believe that Chhatra Shibir’s activities have contributed to generating interest in ideology-based politics among younger generations. Party training programs, leadership development initiatives, and strict organizational discipline—overseen directly by Dr. Shafiqur Rahman—are seen as factors that could benefit the party in the long term.
Leadership During Adversity
The past decade has been one of the most challenging periods for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The execution of senior leaders, restrictions on political activities, and sustained political pressure posed serious threats to the party’s unity and survival. During this difficult time, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman played a crucial role in keeping the organization intact and preventing internal fragmentation.
Political analysts argue that his ability to remain patient, resilient, and strategic during crises has established him as a respected and influential leader both within and beyond the party.
Political Identity and Continuity of Leadership
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is a Bangladeshi physician and politician who served as the Ameer (President) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for two consecutive terms from October 2016 to October 2022. He was later elected for a third term for the 2025–2028 period.
Prior to this, he held several key positions within the party, including Secretary General and Acting Secretary General. According to political observers, this continuity in leadership has contributed significantly to organizational cohesion and strategic consistency within Jamaat-e-Islami.
Early Life, Education, and Political Journey
Born on 31 October 1958 in Bhatara Union of Kulaura Upazila in Moulvibazar District, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is the son of Md. Abru Mia and Khatibun Nessa. He is the third among four siblings.
He passed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination in 1974 from Bormachal High School and completed his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in 1976 from MC College in Sylhet. In 1983, he earned his MBBS degree from Sylhet Medical College and began his professional career as a physician.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s political involvement began during his student life. He initially joined student politics through JASAD Chhatra League in 1973 before becoming a member of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir in 1977. While studying at Sylhet Medical College, he served as President of the Medical Branch of Chhatra Shibir and later as President of its Sylhet City unit.
Personal Life and Social Contributions
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman married Amena Begum on 5 January 1985. Amena Begum previously served as a Member of Parliament in a reserved women’s seat during the Eighth National Parliament. The couple has two daughters and one son.
Beyond politics, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has been actively involved in social welfare initiatives, particularly in the education and health sectors. One of his notable contributions is the establishment of Sylhet Women’s Medical College in his home region, which plays an important role in promoting women’s medical education and improving healthcare services. Local residents and community leaders have expressed appreciation for these initiatives.
A Test of Public Confidence
With his long political career, clean public image, organizational expertise, and ideological commitment, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has become a significant figure in Bangladesh’s political arena. His candidacy in the Dhaka-15 constituency represents not only a personal political challenge but also a broader test of Jamaat-e-Islami’s organizational strength and future political strategy.
Political analysts suggest that under his leadership, the party has managed to maintain internal stability while inspiring a new generation of politically motivated activists. The upcoming election is expected to serve as a crucial measure of public confidence in his leadership and his vision for justice-based governance in Bangladesh.