Dr Rahman’s political journey is a story of systematic growth and organisational loyalty. He began his activism with the Islami Chhatra Shibir in 1977, serving as the president of the Sylhet medical branch and later the Sylhet district branch. He formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in 1984, embarking on a three-decade-long journey of grassroots mobilization.

His leadership was forged in Sylhet, where he served in various capacities, including Secretary and later Ameer of the Sylhet District and City units. This extensive experience at the local level allowed him to master the art of organisational strategy and community engagement before he was called to central leadership. In 2010, he became Assistant Secretary-General, and in 2011, during a period of immense national turbulence, he took on the mantle of Acting Secretary-General. His ability to stabilise the organisation during its most trying years led to his election as the fourth Ameer-e-Jamaat on 12 November 2019.

Dr Rahman’s tenure has been marked by his unwavering commitment to the “people’s voting rights” and the broader democratic struggle. This dedication came at a high personal cost. Under the previous regime, he was subjected to persistent political harassment and was imprisoned on multiple occasions.

Most notably, in December 2022, Dr Rahman was arrested after announcing that the party would join nationwide protests demanding the resignation of the then-incumbent government. He remained behind bars for 15 months, facing dozens of politically motivated cases. Throughout this period, his steadfastness never wavered. Upon his release on bail in March 2024, he emerged not with bitterness, but with a renewed vision for a “New Bangladesh” rooted in accountability and the rule of law.

As a leader, Dr Rahman has championed a strategic shift towards moderation and national reconciliation. He famously pledged that the party would give equal respect to the 1971 Liberation War as it does to the 2024 July Uprising, viewing both as pillars of the nation’s democratic identity. He envisions a “National Government” that includes all parties to ensure a future free from corruption and judicial interference.

His policy proposals are as innovative as they are compassionate. Recognising the unique challenges faced by working mothers, Dr Rahman proposed a five-hour workday for women, with the government subsidising the remaining three hours of their pay. This plan seeks to honour the role of mothers while ensuring their economic independence.

Furthermore, he has been a vocal advocate for religious harmony, visiting Hindu temples and insisting that in a “New Bangladesh,” the concepts of “majority” and “minority” should be replaced by equal citizenship for all.

Beyond the political arena, Dr Rahman is a dedicated philanthropist. He has founded numerous orphanages, mosques, and voluntary clubs, and serves as the chairman of several educational institutions, including a Kamil Madrasa and a High School & College. These eoorts ensure that the party remains a vital part of the nation’s social safety net.

His personal life mirrors his public commitment to service. He is married to Dr Amina Shafique, a former Member of Parliament who has been a pillar of support throughout his career. Together, they have raised a family of physicians; their two daughters and their son are all medical professionals dedicated to serving humanity.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman stands today as a symbol of hope and transformation. His leadership is defined by the conviction that the victory of a nation belongs to its 180 million people, not just a single party. Under his guidance, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami continues to strive for a humane, equitable, and sovereign nation where justice is the right of every citizen and integrity is the hallmark of every leader.