Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated that while many political leaders who were victims of the oppression of the Awami fascist regime have been released, they are delighted. However, he questioned why the former acting Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, the oppressed leader ATM Azharul Islam, has not been released yet. Addressing the crowd, the Ameer of Jamaat expressed his expectation that the interim government would set an example of impartiality. However, the government's selective release of individuals while keeping others imprisoned has disappointed the nation. He emphasized that ATM Azharul Islam must be released immediately and that Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration and electoral symbol must be reinstated. Otherwise, Jamaat-e-Islami will continue its democratic movement on the streets and will compel the government to meet its demands through protests. He warned that fascist rule has fallen elsewhere and cannot be sustained in Bangladesh either—oppression must come to an end.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks while addressing a protest rally as the chief guest organized by Dhaka City Jamaat-e-Islami on Tuesday (February 18) at the historic Paltan intersection, demanding the release of ATM Azharul Islam.
During his speech, the Jamaat Ameer further stated that Jamaat-e-Islami has been a victim of Awami League’s political vengeance. The ruling party has judicially executed top Jamaat leaders. When ATM Azharul Islam was serving as the acting Secretary General of the party, the Awami League government arrested him on false charges and has kept him imprisoned for the past 13 years.
Calling on political leaders to speak the language of politicians rather than fascist forces, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman asserted that Jamaat-e-Islami fears no one except Allah and never bows to anyone. The party has rejected numerous offers of compromise. He claimed to have information about those who have submitted to external pressures. He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami does not fear intimidation and is prepared to eliminate all oppressive forces and fascism. In line with the response of the participants, Jamaat Ameer asserted that they would continue the struggle against fascism and discrimination as they have done in last 15 and a half years. He declared that the fight is far from over and that the victory has only just begun. He then passionately chanted, "Abu Sayeed Mugdha; the battle is not over yet!" He reassured the crowd that their struggle and resistance would continue, InshaAllah.
The protest rally, presided over by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Dhaka South city Ameer Mohammad Nurul Islam Bulbul, the rally was also addressed by party’s central executive council member and Ameer of Dhaka City North, Mohammad Selim Uddin.
In his speech, Mohammad Selim Uddin condemned the trial of ATM Azharul Islam, calling it a mockery of justice conducted in a kangaroo court. He pointed out that despite the fall of the autocratic regime, they still had to take to the streets to demand his release. He strongly urged the government to immediately free ATM Azharul Islam, reinstate Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration, and return its electoral symbol.
Nurul Islam Saddam, Secretary General of Islami Chhatrashibir, stated that if the government fails to understand the language of peaceful protests, then a language that the government does understand will be used. He asserted that revolutionary leaders cannot remain imprisoned after a revolution. The student and general public have sacrificed their lives and blood to erase the history of oppression from this country and establish a humane state. He warned that those who obstruct this goal would face the same fate as the fascist Awami League. He demanded that all cases filed against ATM Azharul Islam and other politically oppressed leaders and activists be dismissed. Otherwise, they would be compelled to take stricter action.
In his concluding speech, Mohammad Nurul Islam Bulbul recalled how the chief adviser and legal adviser of the interim government had both withdrew the false cases, which had been filed against them, yet the oppressed leader ATM Azharul Islam had been imprisoned for 13 years. He stated that Jamaat had given the interim government six months, but instead of ensuring justice, the government has deepened discrimination. He warned that selective releases would not be tolerated in the new Bangladesh. He reiterated demands for the release of ATM Azharul Islam and the reinstatement of Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration and electoral symbol, warning of strict actions otherwise.
The protest rally was jointly hosted by Dhaka South City Jamaat secretary Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, and Dhaka North city Secretary Dr. Rezaul Karim. Among others, Jamaat’s Central Executive Council member Mobarak Hossain, Central Working Committee member Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Dhaka City North Engineer Golam Mostafa, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Dhaka City South Abdus Sabur Fakir, Advocate Helal Uddin, Central General Secretary of Sramik Kollan Federation Advocate Atiqur Rahman, Assistant Secretary of Dhaka City North Mahfuzur Rahman, Nazimuddin Mollah, and Dr. Fakhruddin Manik, and Assistant Secretaries of Dhaka City South Delwar Hossain, Kamal Hossain, and Dr. Abdul Mannan were present on the occasion.
Following the rally, a massive protest march, led by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, began from Paltan intersection and ended at Shahbagh. Several hundred thousand activists participated in this procession.
