anti-fascist protests: Jamaat calls for justice for ‘Martyrs’
Staff Reporter :
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called for state recognition of those he described as martyrs who sacrificed their lives during anti-fascist movements against the Awami League’s governance.
Speaking at a discussion on Sunday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, Rahman recounted the events of October 28, 2006, as a turning point where, he claimed, Bangladesh “lost its way” due to violence instigated by those aligned with fascism.
“On that day, patriotic individuals were beaten to death in broad daylight on the streets, followed by a grotesque dance over their bodies,” Rahman said. He added that Bangladesh was able to emerge from this period of darkness through the united efforts of students and citizens, ultimately leading to what he described as the downfall of fascism.
The event, titled “Exchange of Views with Family Members of Victims Killed in Protests Against the Misrule of Awami League,” was organized by the Dhaka North unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and included participation from leaders of various political parties.
Rahman continued by asserting that the sacrifices made by these individuals are an indelible part of Bangladesh’s history and should be honored as such. “The martyrs of the August Revolution are national heroes.
Their sacrifice for the country cannot be erased in any way,” he stated, emphasizing that the contributions of those who lost their lives from October 28, 2006, to the August 5 revolution should be officially recognized in the national curriculum.
In addition to formal recognition, Rahman advocated for tangible support for the families of the deceased, suggesting that each family should receive at least one government job as a gesture of the state’s gratitude.
“They must be given priority in all aspects, as this will prepare them to make any sacrifice for the nation in the future,” Rahman stated. On behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami, he pledged continued support for these families.
Rahman also expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to justice, alleging that the Awami League has maintained power “at the cost of people’s lives” and has avoided delivering fair justice. He called for an impartial legal process to bring justice to those affected, particularly to Jamaat members and supporters who, he claimed, have endured repeated oppression.
Furthermore, Rahman announced Jamaat’s intention to provide legal support to the families of those killed in anti-fascist protests, whom he referred to as the “martyrs of the July revolution.”
He called on the government to formally recognize their sacrifices and advocated for these historical events to be included in educational materials, specifically covering incidents from October 28, 2006, to the August 5 revolution.
Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, echoed Rahman’s calls for accountability.
He described the killings of Jamaat members as “genocide” and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice. Taher also called for the immediate ban of the Awami League as a political entity, arguing that both individuals and affiliated organizations involved in these incidents should be held accountable.
The event also featured emotional testimonials from family members of deceased Jamaat members, who shared their perspectives and reiterated the call for justice and recognition of those who had lost their lives.