Staff Reporter :
In a passionate speech at the Jamaat-e-Islami district conference in Rajbari on Saturday, Assistant Secretary General of the party, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, declared that the country had, in effect, gained its independence anew through the student-people uprising on August 5.
He expressed his strong opposition to any attempts to reinstate a fascist government, accusing the previous administration of undermining the rule of law and perpetrating judicial farces, including unjust executions.
During his speech at the Rajbari Municipality Hall, Azad emphasized that the period under the past government’s rule had been marked by a complete breakdown of legal order. “Under the previous government, there was no rule of law. The justice system became a mockery, and even executions were carried out under the guise of justice,” he said.
Azad also criticised the limited powers of the president in Bangladesh, claiming that the office was largely ceremonial, with real authority concentrated in the hands of the prime minister.
“The president’s powers are restricted to duties such as visiting graves and leading prayer services. The prime minister holds all the power in the country,” Azad remarked. He cautioned that if the country failed to cleanse itself of the “garbage” of the last 15 years, there was a serious risk of fascism returning.
Further emphasising the need for a true democratic change, Azad said, “We have crossed the first step of victory through the student led uprising, but our final victory is yet to come. The day true, fair elections are held in the country, and a democratically elected government takes power, will mark our ultimate success. This will also lead to a nation free from discrimination, extortion, and a return of justice.”