A meeting of the central executive committee of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was held on 8th December 2022 with party’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in the chair. The meeting discussed the existing political situation of the country. The meeting vehemently condemns the police raid inside the BNP office, the murder of a BNP activist, mass arrest, and the closing down of the BNP’s central office. The meeting also urged to let BNP to organize its pre-declared rally on 10th December. In the program, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered the following address to the countrymen:
Fellow countrymen,
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah,
As a nation, we are crossing a critical juncture of history now. After completing successful gatherings and rallies in all divisions and greater districts, BNP has declared to hold its divisional rally in Dhaka on 10th December. But we have been observing that centering this rally, the government has created a tense situation. On the last 7th of December, BNP leaders and activists came to their office. There were in a peaceful position. Nobody took part in any violence. But suddenly, as we saw, the administration and ruling party goons suddenly started attacking them. This time, BNP’s demand is very justified and it does not belong to them only. This is the demand of the people. This is the demand to secure public rights. For meeting that demand, a fair, credible, and participatory election is the first requirement. And a fair election is only possible if it is done through a caretaker government. No election under the political party government and it is established now. BNP is talking and throwing programs for pressing this one single demand.
One person was killed in mayhem and violence that took place on Wednesday. We are praying for the departed soul. More than 4 hundred activists have been arrested from BNP’s central office. Drama has been staged over there with explosives and cocktails. BNP’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir tried to get into the office but he was not allowed. Even, he was barred once again today. It is just a naked interference in his democratic rights. We think, as per the constitutionally assured rights, BNP has all rights to hold a grand rally in Dhaka. So far, they have been intimidated and the offenders should be brought under investigation. We hope, the government will recorrect its position. But if the government continues to apply forces, then history substantiates that the people will do everything to fulfill its demands.
Under the circumstances, we are calling upon the political parties, civil societies, and fellow countrymen to get united for securing the people’s rights. May Almighty Allah bless us with the strength to attain victories by freeing the nation from the clutches of misrule and autocracy and establishing people’s rights. I am concluding my speech by saying a big thank you to all. Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah.