Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, has said, “The government has failed to discharge its responsibilities and has violated the promises it made to the people. It has committed injustice, oppressed the people and insulted them. We will not take revenge for this insult through violence. We will secure people’s rights through strong movements. There will be no compromise at all in ensuring people’s rights, and protests will continue both inside and outside Parliament.”
He made these remarks while speaking to journalists on Saturday around 5:00pm after visiting a Jamaat leader undergoing treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. On Thursday, during the election day in Sherpur-3 constituency, Shreebardi Upazila Jamaat Secretary Md Sirajul Islam (78) was injured in an attack by opponents. He is currently receiving treatment in Ward No. 8 of the hospital with a head injury. The Jamaat Amir visited him in Mymensingh in the afternoon.
Those present included Rashedul Haque, MP from Sherpur-1 constituency, Brigadier General Md Zakir Hossain, Director of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, and District Jamaat Amir Abdul Karim, along with party leaders and activists.
The Jamaat Amir further said that widespread violence took place during the National Parliament election in Sherpur-3 constituency. “Many of those injured in the violence are in critical condition,” he added.
Regarding the non-implementation of the referendum result, Shafiqur Rahman said, “Our struggle will continue; we will not stop. Many lives have already been lost for the nation—if a few more have to be sacrificed, so be it. Even if my own life is lost, I am ready. But there will be no compromise, not even an inch. No one, whoever they may be, will be allowed to encroach upon people’s rights.”
The opposition leader said, “Those who go to Parliament—if they enter after committing murder, what will they do for the country, tell me? Why should I go to Parliament? I would go as a guardian of people’s lives, property and dignity. If those entrusted with this responsibility themselves destroy lives, dignity and property beforehand, then they are not fit to represent the people. Even after so much bloodshed in July, why is there still so much violence in politics? Wasteful spending and obscene language in Parliament are not expected.”
