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'We will sacrifice our lives, but never let the spirit of 2024 fade': Jamaat Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday vowed to protect the legacy of the 2024 July mass uprising, saying his party would "sacrifice its lives" rather than allow its achievements to be erased.
Speaking at a discussion and prayer programme marking July Martyrs' Day at the IDEB auditorium in Dhaka's Kakrail, he said the current government and parliament were products of the 2024 movement and warned against attempts to undermine its significance.
"By the grace of Allah, we will sacrifice our lives, but we will not allow the spirit of 2024 to disappear," he said.
Dr Shafiqur said the uprising's key demand was to ensure that "fascism never returns" to Bangladesh through state reforms and the establishment of a new political culture.
He criticised attempts to dismiss the importance of the 2024 movement, saying Jamaat had also made significant sacrifices in earlier democratic struggles, including the execution of 11 of its senior leaders and the imprisonment of hundreds of activists.
"If 2024 had not happened, I would not be standing here today as Leader of the Opposition, nor would Tarique Rahman have become prime minister," he said.
The Jamaat chief also defended the recent referendum, claiming around 70 percent of voters had supported its proposals. He questioned why that mandate was now being overlooked despite the government having been formed with 51 percent of the vote.
He also criticised the formation of a constitutional amendment committee, arguing it was not recognised under the Constitution and alleging that it was an attempt to sideline the aspirations of the July movement.
Referring to relations with India, Dr Shafiqur claimed Jamaat was the only major Bangladeshi political party not welcomed by the neighbouring country, but said the party was unconcerned by that.
"Bangladesh is our only home. Our strength lies with the country's 180 million people," he said.
The programme, organised by Dhaka South unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, was chaired by its Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul and moderated by Secretary Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud.
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
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Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
