A day after taking oath as the Opposition Leader in the National Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, took to the streets of his constituency in Mirpur to begin a cleanliness drive.
Early this morning, following Fajr prayers, Dr. Rahman came out of a local mosque wearing gloves and a mask, and started cleaning the streets with a broom.
Speaking to journalists, he said he was fulfilling his promise.
“I said I would begin my work by cleaning the streets. I am keeping my word,” he stated.
He emphasized that the initiative was not a one-day symbolic gesture. Party leaders and activists, he said, would continue the effort daily in the area. He also sought cooperation from all, including his rival candidate, to help make Mirpur a clean and safe neighborhood.
The Jamaat chief urged party volunteers to dedicate at least 30 minutes every day after Fajr prayers to cleanliness activities, adding that contributing an hour would be even better.
“This time I have won. Next time, they may win. That is not an issue — this is the beauty of democracy,” he said, adding that development work should rise above party affiliations and religious differences.
Dr. Rahman further stated that his responsibility does not end today — this is only the beginning. He pledged to continue cleaning the area daily whenever he is in Dhaka, and to carry out similar activities with colleagues even when he is outside the capital.
