Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday urged his supporters to prepare for what he called “another inevitable revolution,” saying the country appeared to be heading towards another mass movement.
Speaking at a rally organised by the 11-party alliance at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising, he said, “It seems another inevitable revolution is approaching. I urge everyone to prepare for it.” The rally was held to mark the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.
Shafiqur said revolutions were not limited by age, recalling that people from all walks of life had participated in the July 2024 movement. He urged supporters to remain united against the fascism.
Claiming that the July uprising was led by students and young people rather than conventional political parties, he credited the country’s people for the movement’s success.
He also criticised attempts to portray any individual as the “mastermind” of the uprising, saying the movement belonged to the country’s “18 crore oppressed people.”
The Jamaat chief called for proper treatment and rehabilitation of those injured during the July movement and dignified support for the families of those killed. He also demanded the speedy trial of those responsible for the killings.
Alleging that many election promises remained unfulfilled, Shafiqur urged the government to implement the people’s mandate, warning of political consequences otherwise.
He also claimed that his party had faced various pressures and inducements over the issue but would continue to uphold the public mandate.
Expressing concern over recent clashes at educational institutions, he alleged that “fascist practices” were re-emerging on campuses and called for resistance wherever such tendencies appeared.
He also criticised the government’s handling of gas prices and supply, alleging that an artificial crisis had been created, and claimed that corruption and looting had continued.
Shafiqur said his party remained committed to building a Bangladesh free from fascism and based on justice and humanity, adding that the movement would continue until that goal was achieved.
Speaking at the rally, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmad urged the prime minister not to create divisions, saying the alliance wanted a Bangladesh free from foreign influence and was prepared to cooperate with the government if necessary.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad said the government should implement the referendum outcome, warning that failure to do so could trigger another movement.
National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nasiruddin Patwary said the government must implement the referendum decision and ensure justice for those killed during the July movement, alongside democratic reforms and essential public services.
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju said the spirit of the July movement would continue to guide the country, while JAGPA Vice-President and spokesperson Rashed Prodhan criticised the government’s handling of investigations into enforced disappearance cases and called for an impartial inquiry.
Leaders of the 11-party alliance, including representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami, LDP, NCP, AB Party and JAGPA, also attended the rally.
