Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) has accused the new government of violating its oath and disregarding the “July Charter,” warning that the party will not remain silent if reforms are ignored.
Speaking as the chief guest at a rally at the Baitul Mukarram North Gate on Wednesday afternoon, IAB Senior Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman alleged that the recent election was a “show” with seat-sharing decided between two coalitions beforehand.
Citing a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), he claimed the polls were marred by extreme irregularities and fraud.
Ataur stated that while IAB had accepted many grievances for the sake of the country’s interest, the government is now attempting to deny the July uprising by filing a writ to cancel “Yes votes,” effectively using the court as a shield in a manner similar to the previous administration.
The rally, organised by IAB’s Dhaka North and South units, was held to demand the protection of the sanctity of Ramadan, the maintenance of affordable commodity prices, and effective measures to curb the deteriorating law and order situation.
Maulana Ataur noted that the government appears to seek foreign assistance rather than public cooperation.
He pointed out that while the previous advisor government had successfully managed market prices and maintained law and order during the last Ramadan, the current administration faces a significant challenge.
“If the government fails to control prices and improve law and order, it may face public wrath,” he warned.
Presiding over the event, IAB Joint Secretary General and Dhaka North President Hafez Maulana Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud criticised dishonest traders for creating artificial crises and raising prices during the holy month, noting that this trend in Bangladesh contradicts practices in other countries.
He emphasised that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure citizens can afford basic necessities to observe their fast.
Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, Assistant Secretary General and Acting President of Dhaka South, urged the government to respect the values of the 92 per cent Muslim population by closing liquor bars and taking effective action against obscenity and vulgarity during Ramadan.
Following the rally, a procession marched through Paltan crossing and the Bijoynagar water tank, concluding at the party’s central office with a brief speech and prayer.
Other speakers included Maulana Muhammad Ariful Islam, Abdul Awal Majumdar, Student Movement Secretary General Sultan Mahmud, Engineer Murad Hossain, Maulana KM Shariatullah, Mufti Faridul Islam, and Mufti Md Masudur Rahman, among others.
