Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday warned the government that it would face a strong public movement if it failed to implement the verdict of the recent referendum, claiming that nearly 70 percent of voters had supported the proposals placed before the people.
"If the referendum is ignored, this government will also lose its legitimacy. If you make the referendum fail, you will be made to fail. The people will compel you to respect the referendum," he said.
Addressing an 11-party divisional rally at Hemayet Uddin Central Eidgah Maidan in Barishal, Dr Shafiqur urged the government not to embark on what he described as a "path of deception."
"Our position is clear—the people's verdict through the referendum must be honoured. Those who reject the referendum reject democracy itself. They are enemies of democracy. We urge the government to return to the path of respecting the people's mandate," he said.
The rally was organised to press for implementation of the referendum verdict, easing public suffering, controlling soaring commodity prices and improving the country's transport system.
Dr Shafiqur said the July movement was not fought to create another form of discrimination but to eliminate discrimination altogether.
"Be cautious while there is still time. Respect the mandate of the people," he said.
Recalling political events between 2009 and 2024, the Jamaat chief said many people had sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment and suffered persecution but did not bow before what he termed "fascism."
"People drove fascism out of Bangladesh. You may become a dummy version of fascism, but you cannot become Awami fascism," he said.
He criticised the BNP, alleging that it had retained all ordinances introduced against what he called the previous fascist regime.
Calling the parliamentary Constitution Amendment Committee "illegal," he said Jamaat had rejected it outright.
"There is no such thing as a Constitution Amendment Committee. It is illegal. If anyone attempts political trickery, the nation will not spare them," he said.
He accused the government of repeatedly changing the committee's identity.
"First it was called the Constitution Amendment Committee, now it is being described as a special committee. How long will the government continue deceiving the people?" he asked.
Warning the government against what he called "lies and deception at every step," Dr Shafiqur said it should be prepared to face the consequences.
Referring to the country's political history, he said the significance of the 2024 mass uprising should not diminish the importance of the 1971 Liberation War.
"Twenty-four must remain honoured as Twenty-four, and Seventy-one must remain honoured as Seventy-one. We will not allow the legacy of Twenty-four to disappear," he said.
He demanded proper state recognition for those killed and injured during the 2024 movement.
"Whether martyrs or survivors, they deserve full state honour. The nation will not tolerate any neglect of the heroes of Twenty-four," he said.
He also alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the July Memory Museum established to commemorate the movement.
"If any changes are made to the July Memory Museum, we will raise our voices again. We will not remain silent. If any part of that heritage is erased, we will recover every bit of it. There are continuous attempts to suppress the spirit of July," he said.
On the economic front, Dr Shafiqur criticised the government's handling of inflation and rising living costs.
"People are being crushed under the burden of rising prices. Gas, electricity and fuel prices have increased. Taxes have gone up for every family. Commodity prices have doubled, yet family cards provide assistance worth only Tk 2,500 while the additional burden is around Tk 5,000. How will the government compensate people for this?" he asked.
Issuing another warning to the government, he said failure to implement the referendum verdict would trigger a massive rally in Dhaka.
"If you do not accept the referendum verdict, prepare for a grand rally in Dhaka. People will march to the capital carrying only flattened rice and puffed rice if necessary," he said.
However, he expressed hope that the government would eventually "come to its senses" and implement the referendum verdict before such action became necessary.
Highlighting regional development issues, Dr Shafiqur said Bhola remained isolated due to the absence of a bridge.
"The people of Bhola deserve a bridge. We want to know why the project has still not been placed before ECNEC," he said.
He also criticised the lack of railway connectivity in Barishal.
"The people of Barishal have heard stories about railways, but they have never seen one. Barishal must get a railway. Balanced national development is impossible if Barishal continues to be deprived. The region must receive its rightful share," he said.
He added that Jamaat would continue to raise its voice against all forms of discrimination.
"Wherever there is deprivation, we will speak out, InshaAllah," he said.
The rally was chaired by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Barishal regional director Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal.
Among others, Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Dr Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Bangladesh Labour Party President Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, JAGPA Vice President Engineer Rashed Pradhan and Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Khan addressed the gathering.
Leaders from the participating political parties at the central, divisional and district levels were also present.