No compromise on July Charter: Jamaat Ameer

Opposition Leader and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday warned that ignoring the outcome of the referendum would erode public confidence in democracy and electoral institutions, saying the opposition would not accept responsibility for such a consequence.

Speaking after visiting the July inscribed in blood (July Written in Blood) exhibition, organized by the Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir on the university campus, Dr. Rahman alleged that the government was unwilling to implement the referendum verdict and instead sought to preserve institutions in line with what he described as the previous fascist system.

If the referendum verdict is ignored, people will lose faith in democracy and the electoral process. The public will condemn the government, and the opposition does not want to become the target of that public anger. That is why we are continuing our struggle, he said.

Claiming that around 70 percent of voters had endorsed the referendum, the Jamaat chief said the verdict must be implemented.

We will fight both inside parliament and on the streets. If our demands are met in parliament, we will welcome that. Otherwise, we will continue democratic movements until the people's verdict is implemented, he said.

Dr. Rahman also accused the ruling party of resisting independent state institutions, alleging that it did not want an independent judiciary, Anti-Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission or Election Commission.

There will be no compromise over the implementation of the referendum. We have rejected all attempts to influence us. We will not betray the people or disrespect their mandate, he said.

Referring to student politics, he said the culture of 'gonorooms' or crowded dorm and 'guest rooms' in public universities should not return, adding that universities must remain free from political intimidation and coercion.

He further alleged that political considerations continued to influence university administration and appointments, warning that his party remained vigilant despite maintaining restraint.

We have not gone to sleep simply because we are silent. We are watching developments closely, he said.

Dr. Rahman also pledged that his party would continue working for what he described as a democratic Bangladesh that reflects the aspirations of young people, saying they would not compromise on issues concerning public interest or bow to any domestic, regional or international pressure.

Following the programme, the Jamaat chief held a meeting with Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) leaders and later visited the grave of former Inqilab Mancha convener Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, accompanied by senior Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders.