Jamaat responsible if fascism returns: Shama Obaed

Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam has warned that Jamaat-e-Islami will have to take responsibility if fascist forces rise again in Bangladesh.

She said a failure by the opposition to play a responsible role could create opportunities for such forces to regain strength.

She made the remarks while addressing a rally organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, on Friday afternoon, protesting alleged terrorism, anarchy and instability across the country.

Shama said people had endured 17 years of repression, attacks, lawsuits and enforced disappearances. Following the fall of the authoritarian government through the student-led mass uprising, she said, attempts were now being made to revive fascist forces as the country moved towards stability.

On the power sector, the state minister alleged widespread corruption under the Awami League government. She also claimed that significant progress had not been made in the sector during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

She said the current government was working to restore normalcy in the power sector and stressed the need to increase electricity generation by utilising the country’s own resources.

Urging party activists to remain vigilant, Shama said they must ensure that no authoritarian forces enter the BNP and undermine the party. She also said the BNP opposed attempts to sideline or disrespect freedom fighters.

The rally began at a petrol pump in Nagarkanda Sadar, proceeded through the town’s main streets and ended at the field of Nagarkanda MN Academy, where a brief meeting was held.

Former acting president of Nagarkanda upazila BNP Habibur Rahman Babul Talukdar, general secretary Saifur Rahman Mukul, organising secretary Shawkot Ali Sharif, Jubo Dal leader Masudur Rahman Tayeb and other leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations attended the event.