Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today cautioned that the government should resign if it fails to ensure justice for enforced disappearances, killings, and massacres committed during the Awami League’s rule.
Speaking at a rally organised by the 11-party alliance at Bijoynagar in Dhaka, Shafiqur alleged that BNP, despite pledging to dismantle fascism before the election, was now “drifting toward one-party rule.”
“Bangladesh has witnessed revolutions time and again. We are making it clear — either ensure justice or find your way out,” he said.
The Jamaat chief claimed more than 600 people had been killed in the past four months, including BNP activists in intra-party violence. “If a party cannot protect or care for its own workers, there is reason to question how committed it will be to 200 million people,” he said.
“You were once oppressed; do not become the oppressor. Ensure justice for the disappearances and killings committed during the Awami League’s rule,” he said.
Shafiqur also accused authorities of suppressing investigations into the killing of Inqilab Moncho Convener Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.
Referring to the killing of Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Saifullah Bari in Gaibandha, he said ideologies cannot be eliminated through violence.
He said the politics of “elimination” is a virus and called for another revolution to rid Bangladesh of fascism, corruption, extortion, and partisan control of institutions.
On sovereignty, he declared that no one would be allowed to threaten Bangladesh, while criticising politicisation across banks, universities, district administrations, and sports. He added that Jamaat would remain in parliament as long as it can speak for the people, but would leave if it no longer served that purpose.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said it was disappointing that people still had to protest two years after the July Uprising to demand justice for Awami League-era disappearances and killings. He demanded the resignation of the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, a ban on the Awami League, and expedited trials.
He also said that the government would not be able to complete its five-year term if justice was not ensured.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque said the July Uprising took place to ensure a discrimination-free Bangladesh and prevent the return of fascism. He demanded justice for all disappearances and killings and urged India to hand over those accused in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi.
The rally was also addressed by leaders from the LDP, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Labour Party, Nezam-e-Islam Party, AB Party, Jagpa, and Bangladesh Development Party. The programme was chaired by Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party alliance and Jamaat assistant secretary general.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/politics/news/ensure-justice-or-find-your-way-out-jamaat-ameer-tells-govt-4206436
