Commenting on the ongoing attacks against “July warriors” in various locations, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman warned that while attacks may continue, only Allah knows where the perpetrators will eventually flee or drown.
He made these remarks on Thursday during an exchange meeting held with the family members of those killed and injured in the July mass uprising.
The Jamaat leader’s comments follow recent attacks on the marches of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Habiganj and Sylhet. Allegations regarding these incidents have been directed toward the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the BNP.
‘We fear no one but Allah’
Addressing the attacks in Sylhet, the opposition leader urged others not to intimidate the youth. He claimed their only “fault” is speaking out against injustice. “But whatever we have to say for the rights of the nation, we will continue to say. No one can shut our mouths,” he asserted.
He further stated that Jamaat-e-Islami would not succumb to fear or any form of pressure. “We are being shown various threats. You [the families of the martyrs and injured] are also being threatened. By Allah, we fear no one but Allah,” he said.
Explaining this lack of fear, he reminded the audience that Jamaat leaders had stood at the gallows, declaring that one must not bow to injustice. “We stand in that same place. We believe we are on the gallows at every moment,” he added.
Concerns over partisan influence
Shafiqur also noted that the goal of the July movement was not merely to remove one political party from power to install another.
He stated that through the July movement, the people expected a discrimination-free, accountable, and justice-based state system, a goal he believes has not yet been fully realised.
Instead, he expressed concern that new instances of partisan influence, corruption, and the appointment of unqualified individuals to important positions are causing alarm.
He alleged that honest and qualified individuals are being overlooked in favour of partisan considerations in various institutions, including universities, district councils, banks, insurance companies, and corporations.
This, he argued, is weakening transparency and accountability while creating an environment for corruption.
Accusations of betrayal over referendum
The Jamaat ameer assured the families that justice for the killings during the July movement would take place on Bangladeshi soil.
Shafiqur noted that some trials in the country have taken place after 21 or even 50 years, and insisted that justice would be served regardless of how many months or years it takes.
Turning his focus to the BNP, Shafiqur levelled accusations of “betrayal” regarding the issue of a referendum (Gonovote).
“You [BNP] wanted the referendum, we wanted it too. Now you do not accept it, but we remain in our position; we cannot move from here, we cannot betray the people,” he stated.
Shafiqur further alleged that the BNP had clearly violated its word to the nation and failed to protect the people’s trust, describing their actions as an act of betrayal.
