In a statement issued on February 28, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, called upon the countrymen to uphold the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan.
"The holy month of Ramadan is approaching us with the blessings of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Among its last ten nights lies the sacred and blessed night of Laylatul Qadr, which is greater than a thousand months. This is the month of piety, patience, and compassion toward one another.
The nation is set to observe this holy month at a time when it has been freed from fascism. After being under the grip of tyranny and autocracy for over 15 and a half years, the people are now breathing in an atmosphere of freedom. Citizens of the country are hopeful about regaining their voting rights and all fundamental human rights. Meanwhile, the accomplices of the fallen autocracy are conspiring to destabilize the country. The people must remain united to thwart all conspiracies and plots by the allies of fascism. Our movement and struggle must continue until a peaceful and secure new Bangladesh is established.
He further stated that the interim government must take strict measures to prevent corrupt traders from exploiting the situation by increasing the prices of essential goods and Iftar items. All syndicates of dishonest businessmen must be dismantled. A well-planned and organized market system must be established to ensure that the poor and the destitute community can observe fasting in Ramadan without difficulty.
Subsidies, if necessary, should be provided to bring the prices of essential goods such as rice, lentils, oil, fish, meat, vegetables, sugar, dates, chickpeas, and puffed rice within the purchasing capacity of the general masses.
I call upon the interim government to take effective steps to close hotels and restaurants during daylight hours and eliminate all forms of obscenity and indecency. At the same time, I am urging the nation to embrace Ramadan as a month of training, with the goal of rebuilding society in the light of the teachings of the Holy Quran.”
