Staff Reporter :
The Jamaat-e-Islami Amir, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, called for national unity to build a nation based on equity and justice.
Speaking at a workers’ conference at Nawab Siraj-Ud-Dowla Government College ground on Saturday, he emphasised, “We want no more repression, no fraudulence, and no discrimination… we want unity to build a nation based on fairness.”
Dr Rahman criticised the Awami League for its actions against those opposing extortion and terrorism, stating that many people who had sacrificed their lives for a discrimination-free society were repressed by the ruling party.
He pointed out that the people, from all walks of life and age groups, had supported the July movement, yet the Awami League had unleashed repression on patriotic leaders and activists from various political parties. Fascist AL has no right to take part in elections, Jamaat Amir said.
Regarding the upcoming elections, the Jamaat leader called on the government to ensure that the next general election is held after necessary reforms have been implemented.
Reflecting on the political history since Bangladesh’s independence, Dr Rahman noted that all parties which had come to power had violated their commitments. He accused these parties of inflicting harm on the people and imposing boundless oppression on the masses, which had reached unprecedented levels over the past 15 years.
He also reassured Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and workers to show patience and stand beside the people. “It is a matter of satisfaction that our workers stood beside the people and the victims of atrocities during the July movement,” he said. He added that his party wanted to empower the youth as the builders of the nation.
Dr Rahman also emphasised that while Bangladesh seeks foreign friends, it does not wish to become a subordinate of any country. “Bangladesh was not freed from Pakistani rule to become a subordinate of others,” he said.
Underlining the importance of communal harmony, he stated, “We never want disparity; rather, we want unity among all religious communities.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary-General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, central leaders Principal Shahbuddin and Mobarrak Hossain also addressed the conference, with district Jamaat Amir Prof. Dr Mir Nurul Islam presiding over the event.
