Staff Reporter :
Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has stated that simply changing the leadership of the Awami League will not be sufficient; there must also be a transformation in their ideology and behaviour.
His remarks came during a conversation with journalists following a meeting with the families of those who were killed in the anti-discrimination student movement.
The meeting, which included financial assistance to the families, took place at a park auditorium in Kumarkhali, Kushtia, on Sunday at around 11 a.m.
In response to a journalist’s question about the possibility of the Awami League changing its leadership to become active in politics again, Shafiqur Rahman noted, “They (the Awami League) are citizens of this country, and everyone has the right to engage in politics.
It was unjust to take away our political rights, and we do not advocate for denying anyone else that right.”
Addressing the Awami League government’s past actions, including the ban on Jamaat’s political activities, Shafiqur Rahman said, “In many countries, those who commit genocide, once proven true, have their parties completely banned.
Time will tell what will happen here. It cannot be decided merely by what is said today.”
Shafiqur Rahman’s comments come at a time when there are speculations that the Awami League might be considering changes in its leadership as part of a strategy to re-enter the political arena more effectively.
Shafiqur Rahman said, “The 14-party alliance sat down and banned us. Is there any legal basis for this? Can I just declare today that JASAD is banned? Do I have the right to say that? Such decisions should go through state governance or a legal framework. They disregarded everything.”
In response to another question regarding widespread attacks and indiscriminate cases being filed in various places, the Jamaat Ameer stated, “I have appealed to the nation not to commit such wrongdoings.
If, among 10 guilty individuals, an innocent person is deliberately accused and harassed, we will be at fault. We have clearly stated that no one should engage in such actions.”
Claiming that Jamaat is the most persecuted party, Shafiqur Rahman said, “We will not indiscriminately make anyone a defendant. We do not have any intention to file thousands of cases.”
The meeting, presided over by Professor Maulana Abul Hashem, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Kushtia district branch, featured Mubarak Hossain, an executive member and director of the Jessore-Kushtia region, as the special guest.
In his keynote address at the meeting, the Jamaat Ameer said, “Many say that Bangladesh has gained independence.
I would say that Bangladesh has been freed from oppression. We must remain vigilant to ensure that such oppression does not occur again.”
After the meeting, the Jamaat Ameer provided financial assistance of 200,000 BDT to each family of the 13 people killed on August 5 during the anti-discrimination student movement in various districts, including Kushtia.
He also called for vigilance and support for the Hindu community ahead of their upcoming major festival, emphasising the importance of communal harmony in Bangladesh.
Regarding this, the Jamaat Ameer said, “Those who try to shame Muslims by constantly bringing up the minority issue are not sitting idly. We must be alert about them.
Insha’Allah, we must unite people from all walks of life to thwart any potential misdeeds by these troublemakers, ensuring they cannot disrupt peace or create disorder.”
