Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday called for national unity to establish democracy, justice and people's rights, saying the spirit of November 7 represents resistance against injustice, autocracy and authoritarian rule.
“Those who ignore people's expectations and rights will not be forgiven by history,” he said while addressing a discussion organised by Jamaat's Dhaka north city unit at Al-Falah auditorium in the capital.
Dr Shafiqur said the 1975 events of November 7 followed political instability and resentment over one-party rule and the deprivation of people's rights. He recalled that soldiers freed Ziaur Rahman from captivity on November 7, while people welcomed them with slogans of “Allahu Akbar”, expressing solidarity with the uprising.
He also urged recognition of all contributions to the Liberation War, saying its leadership and achievements should not be treated as the exclusive property of any individual or political party.
Referring to current politics, he called on the government to honour the referendum verdict and implement the July Charter, warning against a return to authoritarianism. He also criticised the cancellation of 20 ordinances issued by the interim government and alleged partisan appointments to important institutions.
The meeting was chaired by Dhaka north city Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin.