Staff Reporter:
ATM Azharul Islam, a Central Working Committee Member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has warned that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will not be allowed to take place unless a referendum is held.
“We must fulfill the dreams of our July martyrs. Therefore, we must protect the country’s independence and sovereignty at any cost. To achieve that, the right decision must be made in the upcoming election,” he said.
He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a street rally organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the central Shaheed Minar in Feni as the chief guest.
ATM Azharul Islam said, “A certain party has signed the July Charter. They agreed to it, but now they are obstructing the referendum based on that agreement. Since you signed the July Charter, then consent to the referendum. Why are you afraid of it? We understand everything – dal mey kuch kala hay (there’s something fishy).”
He continued, “Those who tried to wipe out Jamaat have themselves been wiped out today. We were not against the great Liberation War; we were in favor of independence – but we were against India. For that, we were branded as anti-liberation forces and false cases were filed against us. It was through those false cases that our oppressed leaders of Jamaat were executed.”
The Jamaat leader further said, “Just once, cast your vote for the scale (the party’s election symbol), and see how we work. If we come to power, we will change the face of the country. We will eradicate all irregularities, corruption, and injustice.”
He also said, “Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina fled the country after smuggling billions of taka abroad, leaving her helpless leaders and activists behind. Those who truly work for the country never flee.”
The event was presided over by Feni District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Abdul Hannan and conducted by District Secretary Abdur Rahim. Special guests included central Majlis-e-Shura members Professor Liaqat Ali Bhuiyan, S.M. Kamal Uddin, and Dr. Fakhruddin Manik.
