Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated that on August 3-4, a massacre was carried out across the country after shutting down the internet. Thousands of people were killed, and still, many of them remain unidentified. Currently, 222 individuals who were left disabled, 700 who lost both eyes, and another 500 who lost one eye are still undergoing treatment in hospitals. He firmly asserted that justice for enforced disappearances, murders, and fascist crimes will be ensured in this country.
The Jamaat Ameer said that the ultimate goal of the sacrifices made by students and the masses is to build an ideal society. To achieve this, Jamaat activists must prepare themselves properly. He expressed his belief that if Jamaat is entrusted with the responsibility of nation-building, it can present a just and humane state free from discrimination.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at the Sunamganj district Jamaat-organized workers' conference, held on February 1 at 10 AM at the Government Jubilee High School ground (Balur Maath) in Sunamganj.
He recalled that during the previous fascist regime, all of Jamaat’s offices were sealed, and its leaders and activists were abducted from their homes, subjected to enforced disappearances, murders, and torture. Many of their leaders were hanged under the guise of justice. The Jamaat Ameer further stated that despite such severe persecution, we reiterated our position that we do not believe in revenge. However, to free the nation from disgrace, all cases of enforced disappearances and murders must be brought to justice. He urged Jamaat activists not to take the law into their own hands.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that Jamaat is an ideological organization. Its leaders do not engage in illegal activities such as seizing control of sand mines, water bodies, or markets. They do not indulge in extortion, tender manipulation, or looting, as they believe such acts are forbidden in Islam. This, he stated, is the moral teaching of Jamaat. He asserted that any party or group involved in terrorism, extortion, or land grabbing must be resisted.
In his speech, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the July revolution, stating that those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Bangladesh must be honored. He urged the authorities not to harass innocent people with false charges and emphasized that the country belongs to all its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Everyone should enjoy equal rights. He warned against allowing a few ill-intentioned individuals to destroy communal harmony and peace.
He further stated that after August 5, Jamaat activists guarded temples and monasteries for 15 consecutive days to protect the minority communities.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman accused a particular political party was used to exploit minority communities for political gains while simultaneously subjecting them to the highest levels of persecution.
To stop these atrocities against minorities, he claimed to have written to the United Nations, requesting an independent investigation commission. He also sent the same letter to the then-government. He alleged that while the Awami League perpetrated violence against minorities, they falsely blamed Jamaat for it—hence, no proper investigation was conducted. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that those who, under the previous government, frequently threatened to send them into exile have now fled the country themselves.
Special guest and central assistant secretary-general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, paid tribute to the late former district Ameers of Sunamganj—Ahmad Hossain, Abdullah Mohammad Saleh, and Hatimur Rahman. He highlighted that Sunamganj, a Haor district, contributes 23% of the country's food grain production. Its sand, stones, and fish play a crucial role in national development. However, the people of this region remain neglected in terms of overall progress. He urged the people of Sunamganj to stand against the return of fascist forces and demand an end to the regional development disparity.
In his speech, Dhaka North City Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Selim Uddin accused the Awami League’s fascist rule of committing thousands of enforced disappearances and murders. He claimed that Jamaat had been politically repressed by being labeled as war criminals and extremists. Many of their leaders were unjustly executed under fabricated charges. However, today, those who orchestrated these injustices have fled the country themselves. He also alleged that a certain political party continues to engage in extortion and tender manipulation while attempting to distract from its crimes by falsely labeling Jamaat in the same old manner.
Sylhet City Jamaat Ameer Fakhrul Islam stated that their long struggle led to the emergence of a new Bangladesh, not for power to be handed over to extortionists and land grabbers. He emphasized the need to build responsible citizens through a morally sound education system.
In the opening speech, Sunamganj District Jamaat Ameer Vice Principal Maulana Tofayel Ahmed Khan paid deep respect to former Jamaat Ameer Shaheed Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, Professor Ghulam Azam, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, and other martyrs.
The conference was presided over by Sunamganj District Jamaat Ameer Vice Principal Maulana Tofayel Ahmed Khan and hosted by District Secretary Professor Mohammad Abdullah. Special guests included Sylhet District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman. Other speakers at the event included, Habiganj District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Kazi Mokhlesur Rahman, Moulvibazar District Jamaat Ameer Engineer Shahed Ali, Supreme Court Advocate Shishir Monir and other district leaders.
