Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, organized an Iftar gathering on March 15 (Saturday) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Center in honor of national leaders, representatives of various organizations, professionals, academics, poets, writers, doctors, journalists, researchers, businessmen, and stakeholders from different sectors of society.
In his speech before Iftar, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, saying, "Alhamdulillah, I am thankful to be present at this Iftar gathering in a free environment, achieved through the sacrifices of students and the people against the grip of the fascist government."
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for responding to the invitation and prayed for their well-being in this life and the hereafter. "I cannot find words to express my gratitude to you all," he added.
Reflecting on the country's journey since independence, he said, "Fifty-four years have passed since our independence, and power has changed hands many times, but the goals and aspirations with which we fought for our country’s freedom remain unfulfilled. There is no need to analyze why this has happened. We have not been able to bridge the gap between our expectations and reality. Those who came to power only worked for their own benefit, while the aspirations of the people remained unmet. Since independence, the country has been plagued by instability, oppression, and persecution, which have never ceased. The nation has not been freed from darkness."
Referring to a tragic incident, he stated, "The rape and murder of an innocent eight-year-old child in Magura is a matter of deep shame and sorrow. We have failed to ensure the security of lives and dignity. This is a painful reality for the nation."
He further emphasized the importance of proper education, stating, "If the state can provide people with the right education, only then can they become true human beings. Our country does not lack educated individuals, but it lacks true education. Without moral education, people cannot develop into true human beings. I pray that we can provide this nation with proper moral education. Education is the backbone of a nation, and if this backbone is not strong, how can the nation be strong? This is why we must instill moral values in our people so that the nation can stand strong."
He further stated that five top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami were executed under the guise of a trial, which was nothing but a farce. Additionally, six more leaders were kept imprisoned and forced to die without medical treatment.
Jamaat Ameer emphasized, "After August 5, the nation has gained relief. Many have been released from prison. However, our beloved leader ATM Azharul Islam is still suffering in jail due to false charges. He must be released immediately. He should not be kept imprisoned under legal technicalities. We demand that our brother Azharul Islam be returned to us without delay."
He criticized past governments, saying, "The oppressive regime has broken the hands and legs of many, gouged out eyes, driven people from their homes, and destroyed houses. This Awami authoritarianism must never return to this country."
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured during the July-August 2024 mass uprising, stating, "I honor the memory of those who were martyred and injured. May the Almighty accept the deceased as martyrs and grant the wounded a speedy recovery."
Regarding political reforms, he urged, "We call upon the interim government to complete the necessary reforms within a reasonable timeframe and conduct elections promptly. By a reasonable timeframe, we mean only the time required for reforms—nothing more."
The Iftar gathering was attended by notable political leaders, scholars, professionals, and journalists, including BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Mirza Abbas, Supreme Court’s senior advocate Zainul Abedin, Ameer of Khelafat Majlish, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Maulana Junaid Al-Habib, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Khelafat Andolon, Maulana Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, Secretary-General of Khelafat Andolon Maulana Habibullah Miyaji, Senior Joint Secretary-General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Maulana Munir Hossain Qasemi, Secretary-General of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Principal Yunus Ahmed, Krishak Sramik Janata Party President Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, Secretary-General Rashed Khan, National Citizen Party’s Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, JAGPA Chairman Rashed Pradhan, NAP Chairman Jebel Rahman Gani, Labor Party President Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Bangladesh National Party Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, National Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, NPP Chairman Advocate Farhaduzzaman Farhad, Islamic Oikko Leader leader Nezam Islam, Kalyan Party Secretary-General Abu Hanif, Mufti Faizullah Ashrafi, prominent Islamic thinker Sheikh Kamal Uddin Jafri, Presidium Member of Islami Andolon Bangladesh Mufti Mosaddeq Billah Madani, Secretary-General of Khelafat Majlish Professor Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, Secretary-General of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Mufti Fakhrul Islam, President of Nationalist Ulema Party Pirzada Maulana Nesarul Haque, Former Editor of Daily Sangram, Abul Asad, Editors of Daily Inqilab Bahauddin, Daily Naya Diganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin, The New Nation editor Mostofa Kamal Mazumdar, Daily Jugantor editor Abdul Hie Sikdar, and Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, Dhaka Journalists Union President Shahidul Islam and Secretary Khurshid Alam, Former Secretaries Dr. Mia Muhammad Ayub and Fazlur Rahman, PetroBangla MD Kamaruzzaman, Retired Brigadier General Hasan Nasir, Former Colonel (Retd.) Hasinur Rahman, Chairman of Ibn Sina Trust, Prof. Abu Nasir Muhammad Abdus Zaher, Agricultural experts and former university vice-chancellors. The Iftar event brought together key figures from various sectors, reflecting a broad coalition of political and religious leadership.
Several senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami attended the Iftar gathering, including Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman and Maulana ANM Shamsul Islam, Secretary General & Former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary Generals Maulana ATM Masum, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Former MP Hamidur Rahman Azad, Maulana Abdul Halim, Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal, Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda, Abdur Rob, Saiful Alam Khan Milon and Mubarak Hossain and Dhaka City and various regional leaders and district Ameers.
These leaders, along with other notable figures, gathered to break their fast and discuss contemporary political and social issues. The brothers of Shaheed Abu Saeed, Ramzan Ali and Ali Hossain, participated in the gathering. Family members of Jamaat-Shibir’s martyrs and persecuted leaders were also present. Relatives of martyrs from the 2024 mass uprising attended the event.
The Iftar gathering commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Before breaking the fast, Amir-e-Jamaat led a collective prayer for the peace and well-being of the country, the nation, and the Muslim Ummah. The gathering was hosted by Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Jamaat-e-Islami's Secretary-General and former Member of Parliament.
