BNP 'treading path of fascism' by rejecting referendum verdict: Jamaat chief

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today (25 April) accused the BNP of "starting its journey towards fascism" by rejecting the outcome of a referendum.

He made the call at a national rally of "July martyrs' families and fighters" at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, attended by leaders of the 11-party alliance and families of those killed in the July Uprising.

Shafiqur, who is also the opposition leader, alleged that the BNP was obstructing key laws and ordinances that could facilitate state reforms.

He warned that ignoring what he described as a "70% public mandate" expressed through the referendum would trigger strong protests both in parliament and on the streets.

Criticising the party further, he said the BNP was now contradicting its own 31-point reform agenda. "They are even opposing the very reform proposals they once put forward. It seems they have lost awareness of their own position," he said.

Drawing a comparison with past political trajectories, the Jamaat chief added that the BNP was following the path of a "fallen fascist force". 

"We were once oppressed together, but with due respect, no matter how hard you try, you cannot become that Awami League; you can only become a 'weakened version' of it," he said.

Urging the BNP to honour the referendum outcome, Shafiqur said, "Respect the people's verdict. Accept the will of 70% of the people and implement the referendum results. Otherwise, our struggle will continue both inside parliament and in open grounds."

He also condemned recent incidents of political violence, including attacks on elected Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) representatives inside a police station and an assault on Jamaat leader Masum Mostafa in Netrokona. "What kind of Bangladesh is this?" he questioned.

Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam said the July movement sought to build a new Bangladesh free from domination but was now being denied, alleging the BNP was steering the country toward one-person rule. He warned of fresh protests, pledging to lead from the front.

Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar accused the government of misleading the public and said Jamaat would mobilise support to enforce the referendum, alleging BNP dissent over constitutional reforms.

Other alliance leaders echoed concerns over stalled reforms, saying BNP contradicted the spirit of the July movement. 

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said expectations of a "new Bangladesh" had been frustrated, while Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmad warned of economic strain and Mamunul Haque alleged political double standards.

Speakers also alleged attacks on opposition activists and students, while families of victims called for recognition and swift reforms.