“Some people committed crimes and escaped, while others have taken responsibility for those crimes. One group extorted money and sparked public outrage, and now another group is doing the same with even more power,” he said.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh, despite being a small nation with immense human potential, has not been able to stand with dignity even after 54 years of independence. “After the departure of the bourgeois ruling class, the vultures within the country looted the nation’s wealth and smuggled it abroad. They built Begumparas in different countries,” he alleged.
He added that some tried to escape through canals and wetlands, while others were humorously “caught with banana leaves” by the people of Sylhet. “They have fled, taking responsibility for their misdeeds, but the black shadow of fascism has not left Bangladesh.”
The Jamaat chief alleged that repression of political opponents, scholars and religious figures continues. “One group became occupiers and earned the hatred of the people; now another group has emerged as reckless occupiers. The culture of jailing, torturing, hanging or exiling opposition voices has not stopped.”
He said the nation had hoped for positive political change after years of sacrifice but remains disappointed. “People expected politicians to learn from past mistakes and start afresh. But we are seeing the same old pattern. They refused reforms. They opposed the charter. They even forced the government to hold a referendum in a single day. Now, their tone has changed again, which is not a good sign.”
Indirectly referring to BNP, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the people are ready to “show them the red card” in the next election. “If anyone tries to sabotage the coming election to avoid that red card, we trust in Allah and say—the struggling people of this country will thwart all conspiracies.”
He cautioned that no one should attempt to hijack the election through an “administrative coup.” “To those who may try, I say: the sun has set for you. This black sun will not rise again in Bangladesh. A new sun will rise.”
He urged the Islamic parties outside the alliance to return to their “own backyard.” “This is your home. Where you are roaming now is not your place. You do not fit in there. Come back—we will embrace you, InshaAllah.”
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said freedom-loving people across the country are now openly expressing where they intend to vote. “We are not afraid of threats. We fear only Allah. We respect all peace-loving nations, but no foreign power should oppress us. Bangladesh will run according to the guidance of Allah and the wishes of its people.”
He also warned those who might act as “bearers of others’ burdens,” saying, “Learn from those who have already gone abroad and are now stuck—they cannot swallow what they took, nor can they spit it out. You live in this country; understand the hopes of its people.”
The rally, presided over by Khilafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, was also addressed by: Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim (Pir Saheb Charmonai), Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Maulana Sarwar Kamal Azizi, Ameer, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Maulana Habibullah Miyaji, Ameer, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, Rashed Pradhan, Central Vice President, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), Advocate Anwarul Haque Chan, President, Bangladesh Development Party (BDP).
