Ensure Justice or Step Aside: Jamaat Leader Urges Government to Resign
Ensure justice or find your way out – At a rally organized by an 11-party coalition in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman issued a stark warning to the current administration. He stated that the government must resign if it fails to guarantee justice for cases of enforced disappearances, killings, and massacres linked to the Awami League’s governance. Rahman’s remarks came amid growing tensions over accountability for past human rights violations.
BNP’s Shift Under Scrutiny
Rahman accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of abandoning its pre-election pledge to dismantle authoritarian practices. He claimed the party was now “moving toward a single-party dominance,” echoing concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. “Bangladesh has seen revolutions before,” he asserted. “We are clear—either deliver justice or step aside.”
“Bangladesh has witnessed revolutions time and again. We are making it clear—either ensure justice or find your way out,” Shafiqur Rahman said.
Violence and Ideological Struggles
Rahman highlighted the toll of recent violence, citing over 600 deaths in the last four months, including BNP members killed during internal conflicts. He questioned the party’s commitment to its own supporters, suggesting doubts about its dedication to the broader population. “You were once oppressed; do not become the oppressor,” he added, emphasizing the need for justice for victims of the Awami League’s rule.
He also criticized the authorities for stifling investigations into the killing of Inqilab Moncho Convener Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Referring to the murder of Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Saifullah Bari in Gaibandha, Rahman argued that violence alone cannot erase ideological differences. “The politics of elimination is a virus,” he said, calling for another revolution to free the nation from fascism, corruption, extortion, and institutional bias.
Demands for Accountability
Shafiqur Rahman stressed that Bangladesh’s sovereignty must remain invulnerable to external threats, while condemning the politicization of sectors like banking, education, local governance, and sports. He reiterated Jamaat’s resolve to stay in parliament as long as it represents the people’s interests, but warned of leaving if it ceased to do so.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam expressed frustration that justice for Awami League-era atrocities was still being sought two years after the July Uprising. He called for the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal to resign, the banning of the Awami League, and faster judicial proceedings. “The government won’t finish its five-year term without justice,” he said.
“The July Uprising took place to ensure a discrimination-free Bangladesh and prevent the return of fascism,” said Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque. He urged India to extradite those responsible for Sharif Osman Hadi’s killing.
The event drew participation from leaders of the LDP, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Labour Party, Nezam-e-Islam Party, AB Party, Jagpa, and Bangladesh Development Party. The program was led by Hamidur Rahman Azad, who serves as the 11-party alliance’s coordinator and Jamaat’s assistant secretary general.
