Staff Reporter :
In a fiery address on Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman labeled the Awami League (AL) as the country’s “number one terrorist organisation,” demanding that its leaders be tried under the very “black laws” they had introduced during their extended rule.
Dr. Rahman made these remarks at a member council (Rokon) meeting of Jamaat’s Dhaka North City unit, held at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
He emphasised the need for justice against the Awami League for their role in the suppression of student and public movements, urging swift action to “ensure they receive what they deserve.”
He stated, “We do not want any injustice or oppression against anyone. Let them be tried under the same laws they created.”
Referring to the events of October 28, 2006, Dr. Rahman said that the Awami League’s actions had undermined the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshis. “The humanity and democracy of Bangladesh were slaughtered in the rampage of Logi-Baitha (sticks and oars).
Bangladesh truly lost its way that day,” he remarked. He further claimed that after 17 and a half years of sacrifice, the nation regained its path on August 5, 2024.
The Jamaat chief insisted that all those responsible for killings between October 28, 2006, and August 5, 2024, must face trial, with a priority focus on those responsible for recent deaths during mass protests.
Dr. Rahman also criticised the current state of the Awami League, stating that even its own members avoid mentioning the party’s name due to the shame associated with it. “Now, nobody dares to mention their names. Even their own members do not want to utter the name of their party,” he said.
He accused the AL of historically banning their own party and others when they attempted to establish a one-party system, claiming that this time, the people themselves have rejected the Awami League, with divine support.
Dr. Rahman suggested that the Awami League could have redeemed themselves by apologising for their misdeeds but instead have resorted to efforts under various guises such as “Ansar League” and “Judiciary League.”
Commenting on extremism, the Jamaat leader alleged that the Awami League was sending misleading messages to the international community, claiming that extremism had not risen in Bangladesh during their rule. He described the AL leaders as the “biggest extremists” for inciting violence by arming their followers.
Dr. Rahman reassured the public that his party does not endorse terrorism and has pledged not to take the law into its own hands. “We hate terrorism. We will not take revenge. Justice must be sought under existing laws,” he said.
The Jamaat leader concluded by urging his followers to exercise patience, emphasising the importance of building a united nation in the future.
The meeting was presided over by Jamaat’s Dhaka North City unit president, Mohammad Selim Uddin.