Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman remarked that the history of those who sacrificed their lives for the country is glorious. He stated that while some histories bring joy, others bring sorrow, and yet others inspire pride—especially the history of those who have laid down their lives for the country in the past, including in 1947, the 1952 Language Movement, and 1971, as well as in the latest events of July 2024.
Speaking as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of the July 2024 Revolution Martyrs’ Memorial Volume, organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the National Press Club auditorium on February 5 (Wednesday), Jamaat Ameer expressed these sentiments. The events were held simultaneously in eight divisional cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.
At the Dhaka National Press Club, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was present as the chief guest in this event, while in Comilla, Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher led the event at the Comilla Press Club, Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar in Khulna press club, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan in Rajshahi press club, Maulana Abdul Halim in Rangpur Press Club, Mohammad Shahjahan in Chittagong Press Club, Ehsanul Mahboob Zubaer in Sylhet press club, Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal in Barisal Press club and party’s press secretary Matiur Rahman Akanda in Mymensingh press club attended the similar events, unveiled the "2nd Independence Martyrs" book and distributed copies to the families of the martyrs.
Dhaka’s central program, presided over by Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Professor Mujibur Rahman, featured a welcome speech by Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Ghulam Parwar. Special guests included former MP AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, Daily Jugantor editor poet Abdul Hai Shikder, NDP Chairman Shahadat Hossain Selim, National Party Chairman Ehsanul Huda, JAGPA Vice President Rashed Pradhan, Dhaka University Professor Sukomal Barua, Hindu Mahajot Secretary General Govinda Pramanik, Dhaka City South Jamaat Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, Dhaka City North President Md. Selim Uddin, Islami Chhatrashibir President Zahidul Islam, Dhaka University Chhatrashibir’s former President Sadik Kaiyum, martyr Imam Hossain’s brother Rabiul, martyr Mahfuzur Rahman’s father Abdul Mannan, martyr Farhan Fayaz’s father Shahidul Islam, martyr Nasib Hasan Diyan’s father Md. Golam Razzak, and Syed Muntari Rahman Alif’s father Gaziur Rahman, and other notable figures from different political and social organizations were also present. A documentary on the mass uprising was showcased at the event.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized Jamaat-e-Islami’s responsibility as a political party, acknowledging its participation in the 2024 movement, which he claimed led to the liberation of both the nation and the most persecuted political party. He expressed gratitude to the new generation, stating that Jamaat had visited martyr families to honor them and seek their blessings.
He criticized past fascist regimes, pointing out that not only activists but also journalists and women had suffered repression. He honored those who had sacrificed their lives to establish the current political landscape.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further remarked that “guardianship of the country is not the duty of all citizens, but rather of a select few.” However, he condemned those who exploit the country and view governance as their personal right. He compared them to rulers perched on tree branches, saying, “When the branch shakes, they fall.”
He acknowledged that the full history of the July revolution has yet to be written and warned against repeating the mistakes of past authoritarian regimes. He cited martyr Abu Saeed’s sacrifice as a turning point, stating that many followed his path willingly. He urged political stakeholders to remain aligned with the revolution’s spirit, warning that any contradiction would betray the martyrs' sacrifices.
In his speech, Professor Mia Golam Parwar mentioned that after completing the 2,500-page, 10-volume memorial book, an additional 93 martyrs' names had surfaced, and the publication would continue until all information was documented.
AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad called for state recognition of the July 2024 revolution, demanding August 5 be declared a national holiday and that martyrs be recognized as national heroes.
Maulana Mamunul Haque declared that the next revolution in Bangladesh would be an Islamic revolution, stating that "a major party is not necessary for a revolution, as August 5 proved."
Poet Abdul Hai Shikder commended Jamaat-e-Islami for achieving what the government could not, calling it "a remarkable accomplishment."
