Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called for unity across political and ideological divides to build a discrimination-free and humane Bangladesh.
The Jamaat Ameer made the comment during a discussion on 'National Revolution and Solidarity Day,' held on Thursday at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, commemorating the civil-military uprising of 1975.
Shafiqur Rahman emphasised the significance of November 7 in Bangladesh's history, calling it a day of civil-military solidarity that safeguarded the country’s sovereignty. “This day reminds us of the people’s resolve to protect independence, as they took to the streets to thwart plots against the nation,” he said.
Reflecting on the political climate of the 1970s, Shafiqur Rahman alleged that the post-liberation government, led by the Awami League, curtailed democratic freedoms by banning political parties and establishing the one-party rule, BAKSAL. "The regime stripped away our rights, restricted freedom of expression, and shut down all media except for four state-run newspapers," he claimed, accusing the government of eroding democratic values.
He said, “We are the worst sufferers among political parties in Bangladesh. We have been banned twice illegally since independence. The Awami League has even chanted slogans calling for our death.”
Shafiqur Rahman also urged the government to establish a new inquiry into the 2009 BDR mutiny to bring the true perpetrators to justice.
In his speech, the Jamaat head also expressed condolences for all those martyred from 1971 through to recent conflicts.
Mohammad Selim Uddin, Ameer of Jamaat’s Dhaka City North unit, chaired the event, while Jamaat leaders including Dhaka City North unit’s Assistant Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman, central Mojlish-e-Shura members, and other key representatives attended.