He made the remarks on Friday morning (November 28) while addressing a youth, student, and citizen rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka-17’s Bhashantek area. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attended the event as chief guest.
Zahidul Islam said thousands of students and ordinary citizens—including Shaheed Abu Sayeed, Shaheed Mughd, and Shaheed Wasim Shanto—laid down their lives during the July–August 2024 movement to shape a new dream for Bangladesh. “But the old fascist and hegemonic forces are once again conspiring to destroy that dream,” he added.
He said the public no longer wants a political force that rejects reforms, refuses to ensure justice, and is responsible for killing more than 200 people over the past year and a half. “People do not want to see extortionists and murderers in power anymore,” he said.
Highlighting the long history of repression faced by Islami Chhatra Shibir, Zahidul Islam noted, “Since 1977, hundreds of Shibir activists have been killed. Many have been disappeared, taken on remand, or shot dead in the name of crossfire. Even after the July–August movement, seven of our brothers remain missing. Numerous activists have had their hands cut off and eyes gouged out.”
The Shibir leader sharply criticized foreign influence in Bangladesh’s internal politics. “Don’t dream of running Bangladesh from Delhi, Pindi, or London. That will remain a daydream. Those who have courage should participate in free and fair elections. The era of killing people and destroying the environment is over,” he said.
Emphasizing the country’s natural and economic potential, he said, “Bangladesh has the highest sea ridge and the world’s largest mangrove forest. This riverine nation could become the center of the global tourism industry. But sadly, our talent is being trafficked abroad. The next government must work to protect this talent.”
He also praised the role of women during the July–August movement. “Mothers and sisters took to the streets and distributed food. If their dedication continues, we can build the Bangladesh of our dreams. We want a justice system like that of Omar (RA), where the rights of every citizen are protected.”
Clarifying the organization’s stance, Zahidul Islam said, “Chhatra Shibir is not against any individual or political party. We will stand for justice, for Bangladesh, and against hegemony. We will stand beside those who are honest, capable, and patriotic.”
