Fascism is a virus, not a party: Shafiqur Rahman

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said fascism is not the name of any particular political party but a virus that has spread across different sectors of society.

Speaking at a discussion marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day on Friday, he said revolutions would continue to return unless people's rights were ensured.

He warned that those who fail to understand public sentiment could face consequences similar to those of November 7.

Recalling the events of 1975, Shafiqur alleged that authoritarian rule, one-party politics, corruption and human rights violations had fuelled public resentment.

He also said political leaders must recognise the contributions of others to the country's history instead of claiming credit solely for themselves.

Referring to subsequent political movements, including the 1990 mass uprising, he stressed that democracy requires freedom of expression, justice and the protection of people's rights.

The discussion was chaired by Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin and attended by central party leaders.

-AJM