Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday accused the BNP of abandoning the mandate of the referendum after assuming office, warning the party of political consequences.
“We want the implementation of the new system of governance and the referendum verdict. Those who engineered their way into power and then forgot the people’s verdict should be prepared to face the consequences. You are walking the path of fascism,” he said.
He made the remarks at an 11-party opposition alliance rally at the Central Hemayet Uddin Eidgah ground in Barishal city.
Shafiqur said repairing damaged roads and constructing the Bhola bridge and a railway line were the rights of people in the southern region.
He warned that if the government failed to implement the referendum verdict before the alliance’s rally in Sylhet on 25 July, a grand rally would be held in Dhaka.
“The people rejected real fascism, and they will reject dummy fascism as well,” he said, alleging that the government had raised the prices of essential commodities while offering family cards instead.
“We will have to fight once again to secure our rights,” he added.
Chairing the rally, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal alleged that extortion and recruitment trade were continuing across the country. He also demanded the construction of the Bhola-Barishal bridge, a six-lane highway and a gas pipeline for the region.
NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, speaking as a special guest, alleged that the prime minister had campaigned in favour of the referendum but had since changed position.
“After 5 August, they began denying reforms and instead started talking about constitutional amendments. The BNP is pursuing its own interests. If necessary, we will again demand elections,” he said.
LDP President Col (retd) Dr Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram said there was no scope for the Awami League to return to politics.
“We want an end to extortion and corruption. The BNP has failed to learn from the downfall of the Awami League,” he said.
AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad alleged that Awami League activists were trying to return through deals with the BNP.
Labour Party President Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran claimed the BNP was repeating the mistakes of the Awami League.
JAGPA Vice-President Engineer Rashed Pradhan said there could be no compromise with those who had “betrayed the July movement”.
Leaders and activists joined the rally in processions, while artists from the Cultural Council performed patriotic songs before the event.
