“We want to make it clear that no fascism—black or red—will be tolerated on the soil of Bengal,” he said. “If anyone again speaks the language of fascism or behaves like a fascist, they will not find a way out. The youth, students, and workers of this country will no longer tolerate fascism. We stopped it before with trust in Allah, and we will stop it again if needed.”
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami does not seek the victory of any specific political party. “We want the victory of the aspirations of 180 million people of Bangladesh. Those aspirations will be fulfilled through the laws of the Quran, InshaAllah. It has been proven that Bangladesh cannot move forward by abandoning this path.”
He alleged that from 2009 to July 2024, citizens were deprived of freedom of speech and basic security. “People were subjected to injustice and could not find justice anywhere. Corruption swept across the nation, and Tk 28 lakh crore was looted and smuggled abroad,” he claimed.
Criticizing the previous government, he accused it of constructing infrastructure using “bamboo instead of rods” and misleading the public with narratives of development. “Bangladesh is now Singapore, they said. Yes, Bangladesh has become Canada—only for them,” he remarked sarcastically.
The Jamaat chief also alleged severe repression of Islamic scholars and activists. Referring to the Shapla Chattar incident, he accused the then-prime minister of “mocking the deaths” of protesters. “They came to power with bloody hands and left with bloody hands,” he added.
He further accused the former administration of undermining state institutions. “They tried to use the patriotic army and police against the people. They destroyed the judiciary, Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Human Rights Commission.”
The rally began at around 1:45 pm and was attended by top leaders of the 8-party alliance, including Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim (Charmonai Pir), Nayeb-e-Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis.
Five Demands Announced by the 8-Party Alliance
The alliance announced the following five demands at the rally: Holding a referendum before the national elections to implement the July National Charter 2025. Introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in both houses of the national parliament. Ensuring equal opportunities for free, fair and acceptable elections. Ensuring visible trials of all atrocities, genocide, and corruption committed by the previous government. Banning the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party coalition for allegedly supporting dictatorial rule.
