Jamaat chief calls for justice over killings in Gaibandha

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for the immediate arrest and trial of those accused of killing two Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists in Saghata, Gaibandha, saying he would remain active in politics as long as he had the strength to serve the country.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks on Monday while addressing a large public rally at the Kazi Azhar Ali Government Model High School ground in Bonarpara of Saghata upazila.

Earlier, he visited the graves of Shibir leader Saifullah Bari and Jamaat activist Salauddin Ahmed, who were killed in an attack in Saghata, according to Jamaat leaders. He also met their parents and other family members, offered condolences and prayed for the deceased.

Addressing the rally, the Jamaat chief said, “As long as Allah gives me life and strength to move, I will remain in the field whenever the nation needs me.”

He said the country should not return to a politics of violence, repression, extortion and occupation.

Shafiqur Rahman also criticised what he described as deteriorating law and order and called on the administration to act against alleged criminals.

“Administration is not for any particular party. It is a national institution and must perform its duties impartially,” he said.

He also warned against any return to authoritarian politics, saying Bangladesh should not experience another form of fascism.

The Jamaat chief called for a Bangladesh where people of all religions, communities and languages could live safely. He also criticised alleged extortion, land grabbing and political control over educational institutions.

Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat Maulana Abdul Halim, who also spoke at the rally, demanded the immediate arrest of those accused in the killings of Saifullah and Salauddin.

The organization's Gaibandha District Ameer Md. Abdul Karim, and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibagatullah Sibaga spoke as special guests at the rally. In addition, central and local top leaders were present and delivered speeches.