Jamaat’s call fuelled July Uprising Claims Dr Shafiq

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Friday claimed that the government which banned his party in August 2024 was forced to flee the country just three days after the ban came into effect.

He made the remarks while addressing the triennial national conference of the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation as the chief guest at the National Press Club in the capital.

Dr. Shafiqur said July 31, 2024, was a painful day for Jamaat-e-Islami as the then government decided to ban the party, with the decision taking effect on August 1. He said Jamaat immediately rejected the move through a press conference and urged its leaders, activists and supporters to stand alongside the anti-government movement.

"The government believed it could suppress the movement through repression and intimidation, but within three days of enforcing the ban it failed to retain power and was compelled to flee the country in the face of a mass uprising," he said.

He claimed his party's call received an overwhelming response from people across the country, strengthening the anti-government movement. According to him, the government eventually lost control of the situation and left the country on August 5.

Dr. Shafiqur also said no government can remain in power indefinitely through oppression and injustice, adding that those who deny people their rights must ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

Among those present at the conference were Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, labour leaders, representatives of the federation from different districts, and party leaders and activists from across the country.