Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday accused the BNP of breaking its promises and moving towards one-party rule after assuming power.
“Fascists created narratives to divide the nation. And before the election, you [BNP] said you would form a government inclusive of all. What are you doing now?he said, adding that the party is “trying to monopolise control of the country”.
Shafiqur, who is also the leader of the opposition in parliament, was speaking as the chief guest of a rally in the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict. The programme was organised by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and presided over by its Ameer Mamunul Haque.
The Jamaat chief said two slogans of the July movement -- “We want justice” and “The country does not belong to anyone’s father” -- reflected the people’s aspirations.
“This country belongs to the people, not to any individual.”
He alleged that the BNP’s “betrayal” forced the 11-Party Alliance to take to the streets. Referring to the violence of October 28, 2006, he said, “Through that bloodshed, a new phase of politics emerged. Those who were once oppressed and fought on the streets, some of them, after coming to power, have now forgotten the past.”
Regarding the referendum issue, Shafiqur said there is no alternative to a referendum as a legal means of implementing the July charter, something the BNP previously acknowledged. During the election campaign, voters were urged to cast two votes -- one for the party symbol and another in favour of the referendum.
“Now that very referendum is being called illegal.”
Describing the government’s position as “contradictory”, he questioned how a referendum could be considered legal before the polls but illegal afterwards.
The opposition leader said there would be no need for protests if the referendum verdict was accepted. However, if it is not implemented, protests will continue both in parliament and on the streets, he said and warned, “If the [forces] of streets and parliament converge, no barrier will be able to hold back the tide.”
He urged the government to respect the spirit of the Liberation War and accept the referendum result, saying that denial of the people’s verdict never ends well.
At the rally, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis announced a three-month programme, including district-level rallies in May, June and July, and a mass procession on August 5 in Dhaka.
In his speech, party chief Mamunul called on leaders and activists to prepare for the programme.
Speaking at the event, Nahid Islam, convener of National Citizen Party and opposition chief whip, said people are struggling with rising prices, fuel shortages, and a measles outbreak. “We have tried to act as a responsible opposition and cooperate with the government. But the government has repeatedly gone back on its word,” he alleged.
Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Col (retired) Oli Ahmed and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, among others, spoke at the event.
