A group 'pouncing on people' since uprising to expand influence: Shafiqur
Another 5 August may occur, if necessary, says the Jamaat chief
A group has been "pouncing on the people" to expand its influence since the 5 August 2024 uprising, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman alleged today (5 December).
"Extortion and corruption continue. Many are flexing their muscles without even being in power. They are trying to influence the administration," he said while addressing an eight-party divisional rally in Chattogram as the chief guest.
Reaffirming that the ongoing movement will continue until the eight-party alliance's five-point demand is met, the Jamaat chief said the unity formed among Islamic parties will take them "all the way to the national parliament."
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He further warned that "another 5 August may occur if necessary."
"We do not want the victory of eight parties; we want the victory of 180 million people," he added.
Shafiqur said the achievement of the movement's aspiration will be "the victory guided by the Quran," declaring that the call for "Islam's triumph" would rise from Chattogram and that future Bangladesh would be "Bangladesh of Quran."
Criticising the ousted Awami League government, he alleged that they carried out development work using substandard materials.
"They built roads with bamboo instead of rods. They looted Bangladesh's money and went to Singapore to start businesses," he said.
He also accused the then government of killing numerous Islamic scholars during the Shapla Chattar crackdown.
"Afterwards, the notorious prime minister said they were lying on the ground covered in paint. They came to power with blood on their hands and left with blood on their hands," he said.
Shafiqur Rahman further alleged that the "former fascist government" attempted to use the army, police and BGB for "misdeeds," but ultimately lost the courage to flee by car.
"Fascism may have been ousted, but the country is not yet free from fascism. We will not allow fascism to rise again," he stated.
Earlier in the day, leaders, activists and local residents began gathering at the historic Laldighi Maidan with processions. The main programme started around 1:45pm, presided over by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque.
During speeches, participants chanted slogans pressing the alliance's five-point demand.
