Highlighting the need for unity as strong as a fortified wall to advance the nation, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated, "I humbly urge everyone not to engage in reckless actions that might harm our national unity. Let us refrain from theft, extortion, land grabbing, and exploitation through lawsuits. We must not provide shelter or support to fascists."
He made these remarks while addressing at a grand workers' conference organized by the Kurigram District Jamaat as the chief guest on Friday, January 24, at the Kurigram Government College grounds. The conference was presided over by District Ameer Maulana Abdul Matin Faruqee, with District Secretary Maulana Nizam Uddin hosted the event. Special guests included Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Rangpur-Dinajpur Regional coordinator Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Executive Committee Member and Rangpur-Dinajpur Assistant coordinator Principal Maulana Momtaz Uddin, Regional Team Member Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal, former Kurigram District Ameer Azizur Rahman, Barrister Mahbub Alam Salehi, and Rangpur City Ameer ATM Azam Khan. The conference began with a Quran recitation and its translation by Qari Abdullah Al-Amin, followed by musical performances by Dharla Artists Group and Kurigram Cultural Academy.
In his speech, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman demanded that a list of those who have oppressed people of different faiths, grabbed their lands, evicted them from their homes, looted their properties, and violated their dignity from January 10, 1972, to January 24, 2025, be made public. He added, "If I have been involved in such acts, my name should also be disclosed. Let the people of Bangladesh know who they are." He recalled instances such as the arson in Pirganj's fishing village under the leadership of a Jubo League leader, the attacks on the Santals in Dinajpur, non-Muslim brothers in Brahmanbaria, and the Buddhist monasteries in Ramu, holding Awami League miscreants responsible. Yet, Jamaat-e-Islami had been initially blamed for such crimes but ultimately it was proved that no Jamaat men was involved with these heinous misdeeds.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman reiterated, “We want to move forward, not look back. The nation wants progress, which requires unity like a fortified wall.” He reassured the nation that Jamaat does not support revenge but demands justice for all murders. “No murderer will be forgiven, and every murder must be brought to justice.”
He urged the people of Greater Rangpur to take pride in their heritage and history while acknowledging their deprivation. Referring to the tragic Pilkhana massacre as a retaliation for the bravery shown during the battle in Roumari's Boroi Bari, he stressed the sacrifices of the people in this region.
Jamaat Ameer paid tribute to revolutionary figures like Abu Sayeed, referring to him as the icon of their revolution and their commander, and honored the martyrs who fought for a corruption-free, equitable, and humane Bangladesh. “The struggle will continue until we establish a humane Bangladesh,” he declared.
He also stated that Jamaat-e-Islami will stand against any injustice, even if it involves their own members, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for corruption or wrongdoing within their organization.
Jamaat Ameer issued a challenge, saying, "You are witnesses that over the past six months, from August 5 to January 24, Jamaat members have not engaged in extortion, land-grabbing, or exploiting people by filing false cases to extort money. They have not participated in corruption or shared bribes."
He earnestly requested everyone, "Please do not engage in actions that go against the aspirations of the martyrs. My friends, I appeal to you, do not engage in extortion or land-grabbing. However, if anyone persists in wrongdoing, remember that our struggle will also persist."
Calling for the release of former acting Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, ATM Azharul Islam, he stated, "We want to secure his release through legal means, but do not use legal complexities to detain him unjustly. Otherwise, we will be compelled to take to the streets. We firmly believe that even minimal fairness under the law will ensure his honorable release."
Maulana Abdul Halim stated, "The country’s independence and sovereignty were clothed in rags like Basanti's; it was never fully dressed. Awami League has gifted us famine, enforced disappearances, and killings. Their leader fled to India, leaving behind their cooked meals. They killed 500 of our leaders and activists, yet we did not flee. The new context is a Bangladesh free from inequality. Some voices are encouraging the despotic regimes of the past. Awami League must not be given any opportunity without ensuring justice. We must move forward, united against Awami League. Some say politics has no place in the Quran. I want to clarify that while one may dislike the politics of the Quran, it cannot be denied. The people of this country desire the politics of justice. They want to build the country based on justice. He urged everyone to support Jamaat-e-Islami to create a nation rooted in fairness and justice."
Principal Maulana Momtaz Uddin said, "To build a country free from discrimination and rooted in equality, we must take Jamaat's three-point invitation and four-point action plan to every household. Everyone must be mobilized to join this cause. This time, we are hopeful the people of the country will choose Jamaat-e-Islami."
Professor Mahbubur Rahman Belal said, "This country gained a new form of independence on August 5. All the murderers, looters, and plunderers will be brought to justice. The future country will be a humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh, where there will be no massacres or enforced disappearances." He also demanded the release of the oppressed people's leader, ATM Azharul Islam.
Barrister Mahbub Alam Salehi highlighted, "Seventy-one percent of Kurigram's people live below the poverty line. Kurigram made significant contributions to the Liberation War, yet its condition remains dire. Basanti was seen in rags, and Felani's body hung from the barbed wire at the border. We believe that to ensure Kurigram’s prosperity, the district needs an EPZ (Export Processing Zone), improved rail connectivity, and job opportunities for the youth." He urged everyone to take the message of building a prosperous, discrimination-free Kurigram to every household.
In his welcome speech, Kurigram District Ameer Maulana Abdul Matin Faruqee stated, "Kurigram lacks any major industries. The one mill that existed has been shut down; there is no university, and there has been no development in the char areas. Border killings continue due to the proximity to the frontier. We live with countless problems. As a backward district, we will take Kurigram forward under the leadership of Jamaat Ameer, InshaAllah."
