Economic justice must for sustainable development: Dr Shafiqur
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today spoke at “Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference 2025: Future Economic Roadmap and Political Commitment” held at a hotel in Dhaka. Photo : BSS
DHAKA, Nov 29, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said sustainable development is impossible without ensuring fairness in the country’s economic system.
“No nation can move forward without a principled, transparent and just economic structure,” he said adding that people from all economic backgrounds contribute consistently to the national economy.
“Even a beggar pays VAT when purchasing something from a shop and an industrialist also pays taxes. From a newborn child to the elderly, everyone shares this burden,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman was addressing a session of the “Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference 2025: Future Economic Roadmap and Political Commitment” held at a hotel in the capital today. Daily Bonik Barta organized the event.
Jamaat chief expressed concern that Bangladesh has failed to turn its growing population into productive human resources. Nearly one-fourth of children from marginalised communities drop out of school due to poverty, he said.
“Among these children may be future economists, future governors of Bangladesh Bank, or capable national leaders. But, they disappear early from the system because the society and the state fail to support them,” Dr. Rahman added.
Highlighting the barriers faced by entrepreneurs, he said corruption, bureaucratic tangle and procedural delays severely hinder businesses. An entrepreneur often faces multiple complications even when trying to purchase land, he said.
“What should be completed in one month sometimes takes an entire year. Projects meant to succeed in five years get stretched to ten. As a result, bank loans turn into non-performing loans,” he added.
The Jamaat leader said extortion, corruption and uncertainty discourage local investors, while foreign investors cite red tapes, instability and lack of security as key reasons for avoiding Bangladesh.
“They question the safety of their investments. They ask: how can they invest in an environment where their funds are not secure?” he said.
Dr. Shafiqur also expressed concern about the continuous outflow of talented individuals to foreign countries. Many skilled professionals and students choose not to return because they feel Bangladesh does not offer them respect or opportunities.
“They (students) tell us: the country does not want us. If we ensure dignity and a proper working environment, they are ready to contribute. We need not only financial remittance but also intellectual remittance,” he said.
He further noted that many industrialists are compelled to send their children abroad on security ground. “As a father, one wants to ensure the safety of his children. If the society fails to provide that their departure from the country becomes a natural choice,” he said.
To build a stable and just society, Dr. Rahman said three sectors must be prioritised: education reform, eradication of corruption, and ensuring justice for all.
“We need skill-based and professional education, not merely certificate-based learning. Corruption must be uprooted from its root. Justice must be ensured at every level. Without these, society cannot progress,” he said.
He added that neither an economic collapse nor a decline in moral values should be acceptable for the country. Political sincerity is the key to reform, he said, adding that rational and constructive changes are essential for guiding the next generation toward a better future.
Dr Shafiqur said politicians must always remain accountable to the public. “Standing before the people feels like being in a court of judgment. You will decide how well we have performed,” he added.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, NCP Convener Md Nahid Islam, Chief coordinator of Ganosanghati Andolon Junaid Saki and National Consensus Commission member and Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar also addressed the event, moderated by Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud.