Jamaat condemns 15 years of persecution, vows no revenge
Staff Reporter :
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer (leader) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has strongly criticised what he describes as 15 and a half years of relentless persecution against his party, asserting that no other political group in the country has faced such sustained oppression.
Despite this, Dr. Rahman emphasised that his party would not seek revenge, as he believes that revenge only fosters resentment and violence within society.
Dr. Rahman made these remarks on Friday morning while addressing a gathering in Brahmandi, Narsingdi. The event was held in memory of 19 families who lost loved ones during the Narsingdi anti-discrimination student movement, where Dr. Rahman attended as the chief guest.
In his speech, Dr. Rahman condemned the systematic targeting of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and members, highlighting that 11 top leaders were executed in what he described as cold-blooded actions disguised as justice.
He also noted the disappearance of hundreds of party activists, the crippling of thousands more, and instances where individuals were blinded or had their limbs amputated. “Despite the immense suffering we have endured, we have made it clear that we will not take revenge on anyone,” he said.
Dr. Rahman reiterated that while the party seeks broad forgiveness, individual crimes must still be met with justice, though he stressed that this would not involve taking the law into their own hands. “Revenge only breeds resentment, and resentment creates an environment of violence,” he warned, calling for a more peaceful resolution to the injustices his party has faced.
The meeting, presided over by Maulana Mosleh Uddin, the Ameer of Narsingdi District Jamaat, was attended by prominent Jamaat leaders, including Maulana Abdul Jabbar, Ameer of Narayanganj Metropolitan Jamaat; Saiful Alam Khan Milon, a central executive member; Professor Mokbul Hossain, the district assistant secretary; Maulana Jahangir Alam, the district assistant secretary; Tawhidul Islam, the district Chhatra Shibir president; and Ruhul Amin, the city Chhatra Shibir president.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Rahman distributed financial assistance of Tk 200,000 to each of the 19 bereaved families, underscoring the party’s commitment to supporting those affected by the ongoing struggles.
