Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir Shafiqur Rahman on Friday urged the country’s young generation to prepare themselves to lead under the slogan ‘New Leadership, New Bangladesh’, stressing that the nation’s progress depends on honest and visionary student leaders.
‘The new leadership emerging from university campuses must be guided so that the dream of ‘New Leadership, New Bangladesh’ is fulfilled through you. A new national roadmap will be drawn by your leadership,’ he said.
He made the remarks while addressing the central student union elected representatives reception 2025 as chief guest, organised by Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.
The Jamaat chief said, ‘In earlier times, we heard allegations of corruption involving student leaders in campus development works. Now, we expect on Friday’s student unions to earn full marks in honesty, not a single failure should be seen by the nation.’
Congratulating all elected representatives and participants in the recent student union elections, he said the young leaders now bear a great responsibility that goes beyond their campuses.
‘Those who have been elected carry great expectations. Your responsibilities are not confined within the campus. You must embrace and realise the nation’s dreams. The country owes much to the talented youth of our universities, and I hope you will repay that debt,’ he added.
Expressing confidence in the youth, Shafiqur said, ‘I firmly believe you can shoulder this enormous responsibility. The student unions are the rehearsal stage for the young generation to shape the Bangladesh of tomorrow, a nation driven by youth.’
He called on student leaders to give priority to education and research, urging them to transform universities into centres of academic excellence. ‘Research activities have declined, and this must be reversed. You must ensure a proper learning environment.’
Encouraging the young representatives, the Jamaat amir added: ‘Prepare yourselves to lead the nation’s future. We want to hand over the cockpit of this country to you. We will pray for you, guide you, and correct you with love and respect if you make mistakes. Under your leadership, a new Bangladesh will rise.’