“Women's dignity must be upheld, and we must dissolve the divisions of religion and caste. To build a corruption-free and socially just and humane society, we must forge national unity. We must move away from the politics of violence and respect human dignity. If we can build a responsible government for the nation and the people, true respect will be given to the student and people’s movements."
On Sunday, December 1st, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made such comments while giving address at a massive workers' conference held at the Rajendra College ground in Faridpur.
He further stated, "The Awami League had leased the country until 2041 to stay in power, destroying two powerful forces – the army and the BDR. Those who are true patriots never flee the country. But the Awami League has pushed the country to the brink of destruction and fled."
Faridpur District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Muhammad Badruddin presided over the program. Among others, Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General and former MP AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Central Executive Council Member Mobarak Hossain, Central Majlish-e-Shura Member Professor Abdut-Tawwab, District Jamaat Secretary Professor Abdul Wahab, and Ali Ahmad Mabrur, the son of the late former Secretary General and former Social Welfare Minister Shaheed Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid addressed the program.
Jamaat Ameer further remarked, "For the past 16 years, the fascist government of Sheikh Hasina has oppressed the people of this country brutally. On October 28, 2006, Bangladesh lost its way during the Logi-Baitha violence. The plan to destroy the military and the then-BDR was implemented by killing of 57 brave army officers at Pilkhana. They attempted to decimate Jamaat by judicial killings of its top 5 leaders. In the 2014 elections, without the participation of the people, 154 MPs were elected unopposed. During that election, instead of people, dogs were seen at the polling stations. In 2018, they changed tactics, taking the votes on the previous night instead of the day of voting. Then, in 2024, through a ‘dummy’ election, they made another attempt to stay in power for long. They claimed that if the Awami League lost power, 500,000 people would be killed, but that didn’t happen. It has happened because Awami League was irresponsible, but the people of this country are not irresponsible. Hence, their fear proved to be false. For the past 15 years, the Awami League has carried out the most severe oppression and torture against Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Thousands of activists have been killed or imprisoned, and many houses have been bulldozed. We demand justice for all the killings and tortures committed by the fascist Awami League."
He added, "In the name of development, they have looted and smuggled money abroad. When people protested, they were killed or tortured. We will never forget the history of our children who stood tall and faced them."
He emphasized, "We want a state where everyone's rights are equal. Our children will not have to roam from door to door seeking jobs. Instead, through a humanistic and moral education, we will provide them with employment opportunities. There will be no conflict based on religion or caste, and no religious institutions will need protection."
Meanwhile, starting early in the morning, activists from various places gathered in processions at the conference venue. The Rajendra College ground soon became packed with people. Around 3 PM, the Jamaat Ameer arrived on stage, waving to the crowd and greeting everyone. The entire area resonated with slogans.
