Unity Needed to Make Victory Sustainable: Rafiqul Islam Khan

Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Assistant Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, called for united efforts to ensure that the victory of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement remains meaningful and sustainable. He made these remarks while addressing a ward-level meeting organized by Jamaat’s Dhaka North City unit at The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

Rafiqul Islam Khan, speaking as the chief guest, stated, "Opening fire on peaceful protests during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was an attempt by the Awami fascists to crush the mass uprising. However, the unity between students and the public thwarted the government's evil plan and ended the repression of the Awami League-led regime."

The meeting was presided over by Mohammad Selim Uddin, Jamaat's Central Executive Council member and Ameer of Dhaka North City. Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Secretary of Dhaka North City Jamaat, conducted the session. Maulana Abdul Halim, Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General, served as the special guest, alongside other prominent leaders from Jamaat’s central and Dhaka North City units.

Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan further criticized the electoral history of Bangladesh under the Awami League government. "The national election of 2008 was fraudulent and compromised. Awami League has since held a series of rigged elections, including the one-sided election in 2014, the rigged election in 2018, and a dummy election in 2024. The government has failed to deliver good governance and has subjected the people to extreme oppression," he added.

He urged all to unite in the face of autocratic rule and to continue pursuing justice, a core demand of the students-led movement. "We must ensure that justice is established, and there is no room for division in the country," said Maulana Abdul Halim.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, in his address as chair, emphasized the importance of honoring martyrs, calling them national heroes. "We must properly honor the martyrs and support the families of those martyred or injured," he stated.

Other key figures present included Abdur Rahman Musa, engineer Golum Mustafa, Mahfuzur Rahman, Nazim Uddin Mollah, Dr. Fakharuddin Manik, and Shibir's Dhaka City West President Salahuddin.