Fight to end fascism not over: Shafiqur

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday said the movement would continue until the people secured their freedom and the country removed what he called the “last trace of fascism.”

He made the remarks at a public rally in Mirpur demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, preservation of the spirit of the July mass uprising, and trials over killings and alleged crimes against humanity committed during the movement.

Addressing the government, Shafiqur urged it not to disregard the people’s verdict.
“Those who have insulted the people’s verdict have paid a heavy price in history. Accept the reality. If you respect the people, they will also respect and accept you,” he said.

He said the government must take full responsibility for those killed and injured during the July uprising. Shafiqur questioned the government’s position on the referendum, saying that although 70 percent of voters had backed it, the authorities were now describing it as invalid.

“If the referendum is unlawful, how can the parliamentary election be lawful?” he said.

The opposition leader also accused the government of failing to support those who had fought to end what he described as fascist rule.

He urged the authorities to ensure justice for the killings committed during the July uprising.