Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, said: “The struggle is not over yet. Our fight and resistance will continue, In Shaa Allah. Until the full establishment of the rights of the people of Bangladesh, until a corruption-free and misrule-free Bangladesh is built, our struggle will go on. Just as before, we will remain united and fight on the streets, we will battle, we will resist. Victory in this people’s movement and movement will certainly be achieved, In Shaa Allah.”
On Saturday, 26 July, in the afternoon, at a memorial meeting organized in honor of the martyrs of the "36 July Revolution" by the July ‘24 Shaheed Family Society at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, the Jamaat Ameer made these remarks.
He further said, “In fact, today is a day to feel ashamed before ourselves, a day to be remorseful, and a day to give account for the many things we have failed to achieve since the revolution. Due to some personal difficulties, I couldn’t attentively listen to all the speeches. Had I been able to, my conscience would have felt more at peace. It would have helped me define my responsibilities more clearly. The speeches I did hear, none made any unjust demands or unreasonable statements. Their words and demands came from the depth of their hearts. They have gifted their dear ones to the country and society. But the responsibility and duty that the state and the nation owed to them — I admit frankly — the state has failed. As a political activist, I also admit that we too bear responsibility, and we have failed to fulfill that responsibility properly. We tried not just to honor the martyrs' families but also those who participated in this struggle.
But I also admit that we could not do as much as we should have. We had taken it as a part of our program to reach every martyr’s family, to pray for them, to comfort them, to declare that we stand by them, and to ask them for their prayers. There may have been shortcomings in our efforts, but there was no lack of sincerity.”
He said, “Neither the government nor any party can give something to the martyr families that can compensate for a martyr. What can be given is the state’s obligation and honor. To be honest, only a little has been done in that regard, a lot remains undone. The victims spoke about the July Charter — this is actually the charter of liberation for 180 million people of Bangladesh. It is not just necessary for the martyr families; it is essential for every individual citizen of Bangladesh. So, who will implement this charter? All 180 million people together? But there is no such mechanism. If there was a parliament in the country, this demand could have been placed there. In the absence of parliament, the responsibility lies with the political parties. Though the government has formed a consensus commission and day after day, hour after hour discussions are taking place — yet this issue has been deprioritized. This must change. Political parties need to reflect on this basic issue.”
He further added, “We are attending the Consensus Commission. Had the July fighters not staked their lives and brought about change with their sacrifices, would we be sitting here today or be in Keraniganj or Kashimpur prison? How could we forget so quickly? We ourselves had spent months in those places. Today, along with the July fighters, many proud citizens of this country are also present here — some of whom had remained the victims of enforced disappearances for years and held in the world’s most infamous ‘Ayna Ghar’. Some of them are present here today. Those who were martyred, those who were killed — their families still haven’t found closure. The families of those who were kept in the ‘Ayna Ghar’ didn’t even know whether they were alive or dead. From the clutches of such a butcher-like government, they brought us freedom. Why are we forgetting them?”
He said, “History will not forgive us. Future generations will hold us strictly accountable. That’s why I too, having solidarity with the martyr families, say — keep everything aside for two days. Pass the July Charter together. We have clearly instructed our representatives at the Consensus Commission that not even a slight weakness on this matter should be shown from our side.
I call upon other political parties — who will come to power and who will not, only Allah Almighty will decide. When the election will happen or not happen — that too, will be determined by Allah. Let us fulfill our duties first. The martyr families are not asking the state for too much — only a little recognition, a little respect. But even that respect and recognition seems to be shrouded in evasiveness. Why don’t we realize the obligation?
He said, “You know that I fell ill while attending a gathering on 19 July. I haven’t recovered fully yet. Some tests have already been done. In the next two to four days, I might have to undergo some medical procedures. Life and death are in the hands of Allah. I promise you — we are one of you. Please don’t consider us separate from your family. We have gone to every home and requested — you don’t have to remember us in your happy days, but in days of sorrow, let us be by your side. Let us serve you by simply giving us that information. We have made a promise. We are here, and we will remain, In Shaa Allah.”
He said, “Among those martyred in the July movement, 70% were of extremely limited income. They struggled even for basic necessities. Yet they didn’t hesitate for a moment to sacrifice their lives for the nation. The responsibility of these martyr families must be taken by the people of the country — specially by the government. These families do not want charity; they want to live with dignity. They must be given honor. The members of martyr families must be rehabilitated and provided with jobs according to their qualifications. This is not called quota. This is our obligation.”
He said regretfully, “It’s been almost a year, and we have not been able to prepare the profiles of the martyrs. I am astonished! However, we have tried to go door to door and document the history of the martyrs. We have already published ten volumes first, and two more volumes have been prepared subsequently. The Publication process of the English versions of these volumes are under process as well. Even if we find information about a martyr after five years, we will document their profile, In Shaa Allah. We want our martyrs to remain immortal.”
He further said, “More than thirty thousand people became injured during the volatile days of the revolution. Many have lost hands, feet, eyes — some lie paralyzed on hospital beds or at home. We have also begun working on publishing their profiles. Two volumes of their profiles have already been completed. We estimate this may expand to a hundred volumes. Whether the government does it or not, as a responsible organization, we will continue this work, In Shaa Allah. We want to live with pride, carrying these martyrs and injured families close to our hearts.”
Addressing the martyr families, he said, “The commitment of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is this — we are by your side, and will remain so in the future, In Shaa Allah. If we celebrate Eid, so will you. If our children can pursue education, so will yours, In Shaa Allah. Even if we have to give everything up for this, if needed, we will beg to repay the blood-debt of this nation, yet we will stand beside you, In Shaa Allah. Pray for us, so that the promises we make do not turn out to be false.
He further said, “The Chief Prosecutor is present here; they are trying to handle the cases. We know they are working tirelessly. But until now, the nation has not seen anything tangible. Alongside praying for you, we all will extend our hands of cooperation. Please make the judicial process visible to the nation, so that we can build trust. If the nation can visibly witness the trial of the brutal masterminds of fascism — then it will also be reassured about the justice of their followers. Our demand is that you accelerate the judicial process. If more judges are needed, if more prosecution members are needed, then the government should help. If more investigators are needed, they too should be increased. However, we want no unjust judgment — only fair justice. The 180 million people of the country are waiting to witness this justice. I always try to speak frankly. If my words hurt anyone, I would ask forgiveness.”
He concluded, “Dear martyr families, please pray to the Almighty Allah so that you may remain in our hearts. We seek ability from Allah so that not even a hint of negligence comes from us. I pray that every single martyr may attain the highest gates of Jannah. May the Almighty grant pure and blessed lives to the injured and martyr families. May the widowed sisters, the orphaned children, the parents who lost sons, the siblings who lost siblings — may Allah grant them the strength to bear patience as strong as mountains. Ameen.
