Issuing a warning to the government, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday said any attempt to “kill” the people’s mandate again or curtail their rights would trigger a movement.
“We struggled before and achieved results. That struggle will begin again if needed,” the opposition leader told a rally organised by Dhaka district Jamaat in Keraniganj.
He also called for a united effort to build the country amid a volatile global climate. “If the government moves forward with that goodwill, we welcome it.”
Referring to the 11-party programme today “in protest against the disregard of the referendum verdict and the chaos in the fuel market”, the Jamaat chief said their programme would be within the bounds of rules.
“We don’t believe in violence,” said Shafiqur, adding that if they are met with any violence, they will stand firm and resolute.
Speaking about constitutional reform, he said that what is needed is not merely an amendment but a meaningful reform that addresses fundamental flaws.
Questioning how fascism took root despite repeated amendments to the constitution, he said, “This constitution has been amended time and again. How did fascism emerge despite so many amendments?” He argued that the provisions responsible for enabling fascism must be “banished” from the constitution through reforms.
The Jamaat chief said fascism is a disease, and it spreads from one person to another, and they are already witnessing transmission. “The blatant disregard, disrespect, and denial of the people’s mandate mark the beginning of fascism. We don’t want fascism in the country anymore.
He also criticised the ruling party for favouring amendment over reforms.
Blaming the government for creating the current “crisis”, Shafiqur said it failed to take a responsible role by not convening the Constitutional Reform Council. “We took two oaths, you took one. It was your responsibility to request the competent authority to convene the reform council. You only asked for a parliamentary session, not for the reform council. You have failed in your responsibilities and broken your commitment to the people.”
He added that there is still time for a resolution, and it could be achieved in parliament if the government wishes. “We wanted a solution inside parliament. You did not take that opportunity. You have pushed us to go back to the people.
“The people who, with bare hands, confronted armed miscreants and brought change are still alive,” he said, urging the youth to “sharpen once again the tools of your revolution -- patriotism and faith.”
He warned that the movement would continue until their demands are met and that they would return to the streets if necessary. “An equity-based Bangladesh is not possible without fulfilling the demands.”
Clarifying his party’s stance on the constitution, he said they have never called for scrapping it altogether. “We have said we want reforms, not that we want to throw it away. False allegations have been made against us.”
The Jamaat chief also demanded independence of the judiciary, media, anti-corruption, and human rights commissions. “We don’t want to see any subjugation in these four areas. But we fear that attempts may be made again to control them.”
