Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday warned that “fascism will never again be tolerated in Bangladesh”.
He made the remark while delivering keynote speech at a divisional rally organised by the eight-like minded political parties at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.
Shafiqur Rahman told thousands of attendees that the movement aims not at securing victory for any particular party but at achieving “the aspirations of 18 crore people.”
He declared that Chattogram would become the starting point for what he described as the “victory of Islam,” asserting that the Bangladesh will be guided by the Quran.
Supporters from across the region began gathering at the venue from early morning, arriving in processions. The official programme commenced around 1:45pm and was presided over by Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque.
Leaders of the eight-party reiterated their five-point demands at the rally.
In his remarks, Shafiqur Rahman accused past administrations of looting national resources and investing the wealth abroad.
Referring to the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown, he claimed that “a number of scholars were killed,” adding that previous rulers “came to power with blood on their hands and left with blood on their hands.”
He alleged that the army, police and other state agencies were used to push the nation toward fascism. “Although fascism has fallen, the country is not yet completely free from it,” he said.
Jamaat Ameer further claimed that since the events of August 5, certain groups had engaged in extortion and intimidation, despite not holding power. He vowed that street protests would continue until their five-point demands are met, warning that “a repeat of 5 August” could occur if necessary.
Presiding over the event, Maulana Mamunul Haque stated that Bangladesh was built by the sacrifices of the poor and working people.
He declared that “the Bangladesh of the elite will no longer remain,” saying they aim to spread Islamic teachings and replace the capitalist economic system with laws based on the principles of the Almighty.
He also urged supporters to vote for party symbols and “fill the yes-vote boxes.” Mamunul Haque offered prayers for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, addressed the rally as a special guest. He argued that despite the end of British rule and the country’s independence in 1971, inequality had persisted.
He criticised those who governed until 2024 for failing to eliminate discrimination. “If Islam is established, inequality will disappear,” he said, expressing confidence that Islamic forces would come to power if they remained united.
He demanded timely elections and a level playing field, warning that “the people will not accept any conspiracy.”
Leaders from across the eight-party also addressed the gathering, including Khilafat Majlis Secretary-General Ahmad Abdul Kader; Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party Ameer Maulana Sarwar Kamal Azizi; Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA) Vice-President and spokesperson Rashed Pradhan; Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Chan; Jamaat-e-Islami Nayb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam; Nezame Islam Party Nayb-e-Ameer Maulana Abdur Rahman Chowdhury; Jamaat Assistant Secretary-General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad; and Maulana Muhammad Shahjahan.
