Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday dismissed BNP’s claim regarding the “mastermind” of the July mass uprising, calling it “false” and politically motivated.
He made the remarks while addressing a national rally organised by Jamaat-e-Islami at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, attended by families of those killed and injured in the July movement.
Shafiqur Rahman said BNP leaders were attempting to project certain figures as masterminds of the uprising, adding that such claims were not based on facts.
He also accused the BNP of moving towards authoritarian politics, alleging that the party was “following the path of fascism” by not supporting reform initiatives.
“We said on the day of oath-taking that BNP has begun walking the path of fascism,” he said.
Expressing concern over campus politics, he said educational institutions should not be controlled by political influence or “godfather culture,” and criticised an alleged attack on elected Ducsu representatives near Shahbagh Police Station.
Referring to the July movement, he said the uprising symbolised an ongoing demand for change. “July did not happen only in 2024; it has been repeated every year. It will come again, and the real victory of the people will be achieved then,” he said.
He added that Jamaat would continue its movement for implementation of the July Charter both inside and outside parliament.
At the same rally, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmed criticised the government’s capacity to manage political unrest, warning that protests could spread nationwide if demands for a referendum and reforms were not met.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam also addressed the gathering, accusing the BNP of adopting authoritarian practices similar to the Awami League and warning against the emergence of a new form of dictatorship.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque said those involved in the July movement were now being ignored and cautioned of political consequences if the July Charter was not implemented.
Families of July martyrs, injured activists and movement participants also attended the rally.
