Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has said that the ongoing movement would be intensified if the mandate of the referendum is not implemented, saying his party would continue its campaign both inside the parliament and on the streets.

"We will remain vocal inside parliament, while the street movement will gather further momentum, defying rain and storms," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a national seminar organised by the 11-party alliance over the July Uprising at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Dhaka today.

"It takes some time for iron to heat up and turn red. But when it does turn red, the public will strike it properly with a sledgehammer," he added.

Referring to the ruling BNP, Shafiqur said, "We have waged movements and struggled together for a long time. But now, looking at the statements of some friends, it seems as if they have never even seen us. Have they forgotten so soon? It won't take long to remember; one jolt is enough."

He alleged that a conspiracy had been hatched to defeat Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance in the election. He claimed that the then interim government had also been part of the conspiracy, which was later admitted. However, he said the 11-party alliance had acted responsibly by refraining from conflict despite rejecting the election results.

Criticising the BNP, Shafiqur said although the party had described the July Charter as an "endless document of deception", it was the BNP that had ultimately deceived the people.

He argued that if it is claimed the public would not understand the four questions in the referendum, then it must also be assumed that the public did not understand the BNP's 31-point demand either.

Such remarks, he alleged, implied that the public was ignorant, adding that people's trust in politics would erode if politicians changed their positions for personal convenience.

The Jamaat chief also said they would not tolerate any form of fascism, whether old or new, and could not be silenced through imprisonment or repression.

Urging all not to demean the July warriors, he said that if anyone crossed the line of decency and sought to insult the July uprising, the public would give a fitting reply.

Addressing the seminar, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmad said the 11-party alliance is not PM Tarique Rahman’s enemy, and is always on the side of the people.

"You are surrounded by enemies. Do not stay overnight outside Dhaka," he said addressing the PM.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad moderated the seminar, while Advocate Tajul Islam, former chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, presented the keynote paper.

Leaders of the alliance were present at the event.