AL’s autocracy faltered due to mass movements
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called on Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of the party, to prepare for a renewed struggle to eradicate campus violence and extortion.
Addressing the Islami Chhatra Shibir Central Member Conference 2024 at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Tuesday, Shafiqur Rahman urged Shibir members to “oust those involved in campus violence and extortion at any cost.”
“Your future battle will be against those who create chaos and exploit students through extortion. The nation will not achieve true liberation unless this fight is won. Without it, the country will continue to stumble,” he declared.
The Jamaat leader emphasized the need for fostering a learning-friendly environment in educational institutions. “Shibir’s role is to establish an atmosphere where honesty, competence, and patriotism prevail. Collaborate with those who uphold these values and move forward,” he added.
Shafiqur Rahman also criticized the ruling Awami League (AL), accusing it of perpetuating autocratic rule over the past 15 years.
“The Awami League has declared war against the people of this country, but their autocracy is faltering due to the mass movements by students and citizens,” he claimed. He further alleged government involvement in “secret killings” and vowed that every “fascist” responsible for atrocities during the 2024 movement would face justice.
Referring to the attack on Jamaat-Shibir activists during a rally on October 28, 2006, he accused the AL of orchestrating violence and “dancing on the corpses” of victims.
Leadership elections held after 14 years
The conference marked a significant milestone as Islami Chhatra Shibir elected new central leaders for the first time in 14 years. Zahidul Islam and Nurul Islam were elected as the president and secretary general, respectively, during the council session.
The election process was conducted online from 7:00 p.m. on December 29 to 8:00 p.m. on December 30, ensuring nationwide participation.
Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, a former central president of the organization and the chief election commissioner, announced the results. Selim Uddin, assistant election commissioner and another former president, conducted the session.
Following the announcement, Zahidul Islam took an oath administered by the chief election commissioner. In accordance with the organization’s constitution, the newly elected president then appointed Nurul Islam as secretary general after consulting the executive council.
Zahidul Islam, the new president, holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English from Jagannath University and is currently pursuing a degree in human resource management at a private university.
Nurul Islam, the newly appointed secretary general, completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Khulna University and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in human resource management at Dhaka University.
Concluding his speech, Shafiqur Rahman urged Shibir members to remain steadfast in their mission. He criticized those who “speak of the spirit of independence” but remain silent when external forces question Bangladesh’s sovereignty, citing recent remarks by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an example.