Mass Uprisings fails to deliver expected freedom: IAB Ameer

Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, popularly known as Chormonai Pir, on Friday said repeated political movements and Mass Uprisings had failed to deliver the country's expected freedom, peace and prosperity because successive governments had continued to govern under the same political structure.

The IAB chief made the remarks while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the party's newly formed Dhaka Metropolitan South Committee at its central office in Purana Paltan, according to a party press release.

"There have been repeated bloody movements in the country. Our brave people have fought against injustice, discrimination and oppression, but the expected freedom, peace and prosperity have not come," he said.

"After every political change, power has gone to those who continued to run the country under the previous system and its rules. Even after the July Mass Uprising, the same situation has been repeated. This must not be allowed to happen again," he added.

Calling for organisational strengthening ahead of future political contests, Rezaul Karim said, "Power at every level of the country must be entrusted to people with pure character and high ideals. You must establish organisational control over every centre of influence in Dhaka Metropolitan South. Only then will the people attain the peace and freedom they have long awaited."

Secretary General Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman said the party would contest the forthcoming city corporation elections on a full scale.

"Preparations must begin in every ward. We have to integrate ourselves with society, become the centre of people's hopes and aspirations, and build resistance against injustice," he said.

The ceremony was presided over by Dhaka Metropolitan South President and Assistant Secretary General (ASG) Maulana Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf. ASG Maulana Ahmed Abdul Qayyum and Dhaka Divisional Organising Secretary Maulana Ariful Islam also spoke at the gathering.

IAB also announced the full committee of its Dhaka Metropolitan South unit. GM Ruhul Amin, Anwar Hossain, MH Mostafa, Abdul Awal Majumder and Maulana Abdul Razzak were appointed vice-presidents, while KM Shariatullah was named secretary. Several other leaders were also appointed to organisational, legal, publicity, election and social welfare posts, alongside representatives from the women's wing.