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Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday claimed that another revolution is imminent and urged people across the country to prepare for it, warning that the current government would face downfall unless it changed its course.
“Everything seems to indicate that another revolution is imminent. I urge the countrymen to prepare for that revolution,” he said while addressing a public rally at the South gate of Nationalk mosque Baitul Mukarram in the capital.
The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance organised the rally at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 July Mass Uprising.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Dr Shafiqur alleged that the government had failed to uphold the aspirations of the July movement and was repeating what he described as the authoritarian practices of the previous regime.
“The consequences of wrongdoing may take time to unfold, but ultimately sin decays and collapses on its own. Now that sin has started to decay. If the government understands that, then it is good. If it does not, no one will be able to prevent its downfall,” he said.
He claimed that the July uprising had united people from all walks of life and expressed confidence that any future movement would receive similar public support.
“People of all ages participated in the July uprising. Likewise, everyone will join the coming movement. The uncompromising struggle against fascism will continue,” he said.
The Jamaat chief also accused the government of displaying “fascist behaviour” despite coming to power with promises of democratic reforms.
“If you behave like fascists, people will call you fascists. So, abandon fascist behaviour,” he said.
Referring to the recent national referendum on reform proposals, Dr Shafiqur urged the government to honour what he described as the public mandate.
“Accept our public mandate. Do not insult the verdict of 70 percent of the people given through the referendum. No one has survived after disrespecting the people’s mandate,” he said.
He further alleged that his party had been subjected to pressure and inducements to compromise on its political position but vowed to continue its campaign.
“I want to tell the people of this country that we will safeguard your democratic mandate, InshaAllah. With Allah’s help, we must ensure that this demand is realised. We will not retreat from it in exchange for anything, not even our lives,” he said.
Expressing concern over recent incidents of violence at educational institutions, Dr Shafiqur said the developments had created anxiety among students and teachers and raised fears about the possible return of what he described as the culture of “guest rooms” and overcrowded dormitories.
He urged students, teachers and university staff to resist injustice wherever it occurred.
“No wrongdoing should be tolerated,” he said.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque presided over the rally, while leaders of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance also addressed the programme, reiterating calls for democratic reforms, accountability and the implementation of measures they said reflected the aspirations of the July Mass Uprising.