Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, delivered a critical address on Friday, highlighting the need for political reform and accountability in Bangladesh. Speaking at a Rukan conference organized by Jamaat’s Khulna City chapter, he emphasized that “those responsible for genocide have no right to engage in politics,” referencing past atrocities.
In his speech, Rahman called for an inclusive and transparent political process, urging the interim government to involve all political stakeholders in discussions to create a roadmap for electoral reform. “The government should step down with dignity by ensuring fair and acceptable elections within a reasonable time frame,” he said. He also stressed the importance of including Islamic scholars from both Alia and Qawmi backgrounds in the Education Reform Commission, promoting a more balanced approach to the country’s education system.
The Jamaat Amir demanded justice for all killings in the country, including the high-profile murders of 57 army officers during the BDR mutiny in 2009. He warned that failure to hold the masterminds accountable could lead to the rise of oppressive regimes or the emergence of a third political force.
Rahman also criticized the ruling Awami League’s 15-year tenure, claiming that no citizen was spared from “loot and oppression.” He referenced what he described as a mass uprising in July, born out of the suffering of thousands, particularly women and children. “The cries of the oppressed have reached the heavens,” he said, pointing to what he believes is growing discontent against the current government.
He accused the Awami League of starting its authoritarian rule with the BDR massacre, followed by a systematic campaign to crush Jamaat-e-Islami, including the execution of its top leaders and the imprisonment of others. Despite these efforts, Rahman noted that some of those who leveled accusations against Jamaat have now been arrested themselves, suggesting a shift in the political landscape.
The event, chaired by Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat Amir Professor Mahfuzur Rahman, featured several notable speakers, including Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar. Other central executive members, including Md. Mobarak Hossain and regional director Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, also addressed the conference.
