Jamaat seeks justice for all crimes of 'fascist era'

Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, in his closing speech of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, called for ensuring justice for all crimes committed during what he termed as the Awami League fascist era.

"All crimes committed during the 'fascist era' - including killings, enforced disappearances, violations of humanity, as well as incidents of rape - must be brought to justice. That justice must reach up to Osman Hadi. But looking at the current state of justice, we are unable to understand anything. In the arena of justice, are we seeing a green flag, a red flag or a black flag? We want to see a green flag," he said.

He also affirmed support for the government's positive initiatives and opposition to its shortcomings.

Shafiqur Rahman further said, "Many of my colleagues express wholehearted respect for the 1971 Constitution, which I could not do. Many of those individuals are now seated on the government treasury bench. You cannot do so either, because the 1972 Constitution was amended by the late President Ziaur Rahman. He did not leave it in its original form but introduced reforms where he deemed necessary. So how can we now say that we want the Constitution of 1972?" he said.

He said that his party is often portrayed as not respecting the Constitution, adding, "If we did not accept the Constitution, how would we come here? Why would we live in this country? As long as the Constitution remains in force, we are not against it. We will carry out movements for change, but not rebellion. As a citizen, that is my responsibility."

Shafiqur Rahman also called for an end to extortion.

"We do not want to hear who the extortionists are. If I engage in extortion, put handcuffs on me. Extortionists do not belong to any party; they are infiltrators. Why should 99% of people be held hostage by 1%? The country must be freed from their suffering," he said.

He said people want to live in a safe Bangladesh, free from violence in educational institutions, and called for the highest priority to be given to the health sector.

He also urged that both health and education sectors receive maximum importance in the upcoming national budget.

Shafiqur further requested the home minister to ensure that while law and order conditions remain broadly similar across the country, areas facing higher risks should be given priority attention.

Referring to the Teesta mega project, the opposition leader said people have grown weary of hearing promises about its implementation.

"They no longer want to hear stories; they want to see action. We want to see a credible and visible role in implementing the Teesta mega project, without concern for any external pressure," he said.

Shafiqul urged that change must be demonstrated through action, not rhetoric.
"Many tend to focus excessively on history. Remembering history is good, learning from it is good, but if we remain stuck in it, we cannot create history. Let history remain in its place, and let us move forward together," he said.

In his concluding remarks, Shafiqur Rahman called for action against false propaganda targeting the prime minister's family.

"This kind of filth must stop. We will extend full cooperation to the government," he added.