Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday delivered a firm rebuke to those who would like to see a restoration of the country’s “rotten old system,” saying, “First bring back the lives of those who sacrificed themselves in the July struggle—if you have the power. But you won’t be able to.”
He made the remarks while addressing a large national rally at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan, the party’s first-ever public gathering at the venue.
“The martyrs of July gave their lives for the freedom of the nation. If everything from the past is to be restored, then what did they die for?” Dr Rahman asked.
“We are indebted to those who were tortured, disabled, or martyred in the fight against tyranny. May Allah grant us the strength to repay that debt as long as Jamaat-e-Islami exists.”
The Jamaat chief mentioned several individuals who fell ill during the rally, including Khulna's upazila-level leader Maulana Abu Sayeed and Pabna’s elderly activist Mustafizur Rahman. “May Allah grant Paradise to those who passed away,” he said.
Dr Rahman fell ill himself while delivering his speech and had to pause briefly. Upon recovering, he resumed his remarks and declared, “As long as I live, I will fight for the people, InshaAllah. Our struggle will continue until the people of Bangladesh are truly free.”
He emphasized that the next major battle would be against corruption: “Another war is coming—against corruption. With the strength of our youth, we will launch that fight, InshaAllah.”
Dr Rahman made a series of promises in case Jamaat comes to power in the future.
“If Jamaat-e-Islami forms the government with Allah’s mercy and the people's support, no MP or minister will take government land allotments. No one will use duty-free vehicles. They will not handle public funds personally.”
He further added “If any MP or minister receives a development allocation, they must report back to the 18 crore people of the country upon completion of the work. We will neither take bribes nor tolerate corruption.”
Referring to past incidents, he said “We must not forget or neglect those who were martyred—from October 28, 2006, to the Shapla Square massacre and the 2024 killings. We demand visible steps toward justice for all these atrocities. Until then, the old system cannot be allowed to continue in Bangladesh.”