Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former lawmaker Professor Mia Golam Porwar stated that after the popular uprising in July of last year, the people want a change in the system of governance. They no longer wish to return to the previous rule. Evidence of this is seen in the recent DUCSU and JACSU elections at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University respectively. In the past, student wings of the ruling party inflicted unimaginable oppression and torture on general students in campuses and various residential halls under the guise of “guest room” and “common room” culture. There were even clashes within the party, and incidents involving firearms led to killings. From the murder of brilliant BUET students Soni and Abrar to the killings of Dhaka University’s top student Abu Bakar and Rajshahi University’s brilliant student Sharifuzzaman Nomani, hundreds of talented students have been victims of campus violence since the country’s independence.

Hence, general students, through the “silent ballot revolution,” have delivered a crushing defeat to corrupt, extortionist elements. Today, the people are aware—they clearly understand what is good for them and what is harmful. That is why the public now eagerly awaits ending the old governance system through a silent ballot revolution, aiming to build a new, welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

He further said that the people no longer favor authoritarian rule. A fascist government had entrenched itself over the country through ongoing killings, disappearances, murder, rape, extortion, terrorism, harassment, and occupation, targeting ordinary citizens as well as political parties with differing opinions. The public had thought there was no escape from this situation, but nothing fulfills except by the will of Almighty Allah. That is why, general students, demanding quota reform, rose up and brought down a powerful, greedy fascist government. Now, anti-fascist political leaders and the general public can freely express their opinions.

For this reason, the public does not want any similar system of governance in power again. If such a system attempts to return, it will receive a red card from the people.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has clearly stated that the constitution, which gave a government such power, allowed so many killings, and caused so much suffering, must undergo minimal amendment through the formal recognition of the July Charter before holding elections. Otherwise, under this constitution, whoever comes to power will again have the option to become authoritarian or fascist. Therefore, the constitution must be amended ahead of the schedule, and elections must be held through the PR system. Only then can we collectively realize the aspirations of July and build a dream Bangladesh.

He made these statements during his keynote speech at a student-teacher-parent coordination meeting on improving education, held on Sunday (14 September) at the PalliShree College Auditorium in Dumuria Upazila, under Khulna-5 constituency.

The meeting was presided over by Maulana Muktar Hossain, President of the College Managing Committee and Ameer of Dumuria Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami. Special guests included Munshi Moinul Islam, Assistant Secretary of Khulna District Jamaat; Professor Mia Golam Quddus; Nayeb-e-Ameer of Dumuria Upazila Gazi Saifullah; Maulana Habibur Rahman; Yusuf Fakir, President of Chhatrashibir Khulna District; Krishna Nandi, President of Dumuria Upazila Hindu Committee; and Principal Deb Prasad Mandal. The welcome speech was delivered by College Principal Subhash Chandra Sardar. Others present included former President Sheikh Moslem Uddin, Principal Jalal Uddin Sheikh, Professor Nazrul Islam, Jamaat leader Farhad Hossain, Chhatrashibir leaders Hussain Ahmed, Abu Taher, Samidul Hasan Limon, and Mofizur Rahman.

Earlier, a similar coordination meeting was held at the field of Sona Biraj Mui Secondary School, presided over by School Managing Committee President Sheikh Moslem Uddin. The keynote address was delivered by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. The welcome speech was given by Acting Headmaster Michael Malik, and the program was hosted by teacher Prosen Dhali. The chief guest also distributed crest awards to meritorious students.