No compromise in building fascism-free B’desh: Jamaat chief

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said his party will make no compromise with anyone in its efforts to build a fascism-free Bangladesh.

“The people ousted fascism through their blood. They will not allow a new form of fascism to take root. We will continue our struggle against it,” he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a youth representatives’ conference organised by Jamaat’s Youth and Sports Department at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, on Saturday.

Shafiqur said the nation had repeatedly suffered under oppressive forces but had risen again after defeating them.

Referring to the July uprising, he said the movement had come at the cost of the lives of 1,400 young people. The protesters had demanded fundamental changes to the state system, justice in all sectors and a state that treats citizens fairly while ensuring their basic rights.

He said the National Consensus Commission was formed to honour the sacrifices of the July movement and the bloodshed of August 5, 2024. Representatives of 33 political parties took part in the process, which resulted in the July Charter.

According to him, the consensus had outlined two electoral processes — one to form a government and another to reform or restructure the state.

However, he accused the current government of accepting one commitment while disregarding the other, creating a political crisis.

“We will not accept this deception, and the nation will not accept it either. The BNP must fulfil its promises. We will continue to press for the people’s demands and will not allow them to be abandoned,” he said.

Shafiqur further alleged that the government was trying to bypass the demands by focusing on constitutional amendments.

He argued that no referendum had been held on constitutional amendments and that the government could not ignore the people’s verdict if the BNP considered itself a democratic party.

He accused the ruling party of undermining public trust and damaging confidence in the electoral system.

Describing fascism as a virus, the Jamaat chief said signs of it were visible within the current government.

He said his party had taken to the streets with a seven-point demand and received widespread public support during rallies and long marches across different divisions.

“These demands do not belong to any particular political party. They are the demands of the people, including their rights to vote and access medical treatment and healthcare,” he said.

Calling for preparations ahead of local government elections, Shafiqur urged party activists to organise people and work to establish honest leadership.

He also called for united public resistance against what he described as conspiracies, saying the challenges could be overcome through collective efforts and trust in Allah.