Ameer-e-Jamaat

2024-12-24

Jamaat Ameer address at Gaibandha district Jamaat Workers' Conference

To build the Bangladesh as per the martyrs' dreams, the culture of occupation and extortion must end, says Dr. Shafiqur Rahman

Calling on leaders and activists to make sacrifices for building a nation free of exploitation and extortion, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "We aim to establish a nation without discrimination in all spheres, where there will be no place for occupation or extortion. The weak will not be oppressed by the powerful. Workers will receive their rightful dues. Equality and justice will prevail in the country. We want to present a practical example of the nation envisioned by the martyrs of the July movement."

He made these remarks as the chief guest during the workers' conference held on Tuesday, December 24, at the Gaibandha Islamia High School grounds. Special guests at the conference included Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Central working committee Members Principal Maulana Momtaz Uddin and Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal, former district Ameer Dr. Abdur Rahim Sarkar, and former central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir, Rajibur Rahman Palash. Family members of the martyrs were present on the stage.

The conference was presided over by Central Majlis-e-Shura Member and Gaibandha District Ameer Md. Abdul Karim Sarkar. It was hosted by District Secretary Maulana Zahurul Haque Sarkar. Other speakers included Faisal Kabir Rana, on behalf of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Coordinator Mohid Ahmed Fahim, Gaibandha District Jamaat Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer and veteran freedom fighter Abdul Waresh, District Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mazedur Rahman, Maulana Nazrul Islam Lebu, Jamaat leader Nurunnabi Pradhan, District Jamaat Assistant Secretary Syed Rukunuzzaman, Municipality Ameer Professor AKM Ferdous Alam, Sadar Upazila Ameer Maulana Nurul Islam Mondol, Palashbari Upazila Ameer Abu Bakar Siddiq, Gobindaganj Upazila Ameer Abul Hossain Master, Sadullapur Upazila Ameer Ershadul Haque Emon, Fulchhari Upazila Ameer Maulana Sirajul Islam, Saghata Upazila Ameer Maulana Ibrahim Hossain, and Sundarganj Upazila Ameer Professor Shahidul Islam Monju.

Describing the oppression under Sheikh Hasina's regime, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "The past 15 years have been stained with blood across the country. Gaibandha became a land of corpses and bloodstains. Countless mothers, sisters, and children have lost loved ones beyond reckoning. Many people were abducted and disappeared, with the exact numbers known only to Allah."

Sharing his experience with the “Aaina Ghar,” he said, "People from the Aaina Ghar were kept in a cell next to mine. They told me they had been separated from their families for years and confined to dark rooms, but such truths were never acknowledged. Some were killed under staged dramas."

The Awami League had made it clear beforehand what they would do once in power, but the people failed to understand. In broad daylight at Paltan grounds, they killed six people and danced over the dead bodies. This incident drew condemnation from around the world. They declared a "jihad" against corruption but became deeply entrenched in it themselves, losing the trust of the people.

Later, they destroyed the morale of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and the army by orchestrating the killing of 57 patriotic and skilled army officers at Pilkhana. Despite forming two investigation commissions, the reports of this massacre have not been disclosed to this day.

Subsequently, they targeted Jamaat-e-Islami. Why did they choose Jamaat? Because Jamaat's people are also true patriots who never compromise the nation's interests. This animosity led them to execute many Jamaat leaders and activists, including its top leadership.

Then, they targeted Hefazat-e-Islam, another patriotic force revered by the devoted Muslims of this country. On May 5, 2013, we witnessed from prison how many of them were killed. Only Allah knows the number of bodies and where they were disposed of.

Referring to former Agriculture Minister Dr. Abdur Razzaq, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "This man threatened students, saying that if they caused trouble, they would face the same fate as those at Shapla Chattar." He labeled Razzaq as a self-proclaimed murderer.

Dr. Rahman mentioned martyr Abu Said of Rangpur and said, "He stood in your neighboring district and declared, 'There’s a raging storm in my chest; I stand ready to take the bullets.' Abu Said and others demanded justice. They wanted a society free of inequality, a humane society, and a proud Bangladesh."

He added that this Bangladesh would be built by honoring the sacrifices of the martyrs. To achieve this, the culture of occupation and extortion must come to an end. The oppression of the weak by the powerful must stop. Corruption and bribery in offices, courts, and government agencies must be eradicated.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the need for a nation free of discrimination and said that if Jamaat-e-Islami came to power, they would showcase the true vision of the country for which the martyrs fought. There would be no extortion or occupation. Workers would receive their due rights, and equality and justice would be established.

He noted the lack of higher education centers in Gaibandha, stating that the region faced discrimination because of its pro-Islam population. He demanded the establishment of an agricultural university in the area and assured that under Jamaat's rule, the residents of Gaibandha would not have to demand such facilities—they would come naturally.

Commenting on the current justice system, he said, "People are not receiving justice in hospitals or courts. There will be no division of majority and minority in this country. A white paper should be published on the attacks on minorities since independence, identifying those responsible." He further emphasized that women would receive respect and security in every sphere of life.

Dr. Abdul Halim stated that the era of autocracy in this country has ended. He criticized those advocating for the rehabilitation of the Awami League, calling it regrettable. He encouraged Jamaat activists to uphold integrity and guard against corruption.

Maulana Momtaz Uddin said the nation is looking toward Jamaat-e-Islami for leadership as people have lost faith in past rulers. He urged activists to gain the qualities needed for state governance and deepen their knowledge of Islam.

Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal stated that Sheikh Hasina would be brought to justice from India, and good governance must be established to prevent future autocratic rulers.

Former district Ameer Dr. Abdur Rahim Sarkar highlighted Gaibandha as fertile ground for Islamic movement and called for unity to establish Islam throughout the nation.

Rajibur Rahman Palash warned against conspiracies to rehabilitate fascism and declared that such efforts would be collectively resisted.

The conference commenced with a Quranic recitation by Maulana Shafiul Islam. The event was inaugurated by Rashidul Islam, brother of July Revolution martyr Ariful Islam. Rashidul demanded the arrest and trial of those responsible for Ariful's murder.

In his speech, Abdul Karim Sarkar, the conference chair, emphasized the commitment to protect the country's sovereignty and independence.

Palashbari temple priest Shri Milon Kumar Bhattacharjee delivered a message in support for Jamaat, stating that even he had come to support Jamaat-e-Islami after witnessing its integrity. He criticized ISKCON members for creating divisions among Hindus and claimed that Awami League's absence had led to a more secure environment for Hindu festivals.