Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday warned that his party could quit Parliament if it is denied the opportunity to speak on national issues, while calling on supporters to prepare for what he described as a new “revolution” against corruption, injustice and “fascist rule.”
Addressing a rally organized by the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area, Shafiqur Rahman said participation in Parliament would depend on whether lawmakers are allowed to effectively represent public interests.
“As long as there is an environment to speak in Parliament and as long as it is necessary to speak in the nation’s interest, we will stay there. The day we feel there is no benefit in speaking in Parliament anymore, we will leave,” he said.
The warning came amid growing political tensions, with the Jamaat chief accusing the government of moving toward “another one-party system” through what he alleged were partisan appointments in universities, administrative institutions and key state bodies.
The rally coincided with the 77th founding anniversary of Awami League and focused on demands for justice over alleged enforced disappearances, political killings and what speakers described as crimes committed during the previous regime.
Shafiqur Rahman alleged that more than 600 people had been killed since the current government took office, including over 200 BNP activists, and questioned the government’s commitment to protecting political rights.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as slow progress in investigations and trials related to the July-August uprising, alleging that political influence was affecting the judicial process.
The Jamaat leader renewed demands for justice over a series of unresolved incidents, including the October 28, 2006 violence, the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy, enforced disappearances and political killings spanning multiple administrations.
Claiming that corruption, extortion and partisan governance had become entrenched in the country, he said another mass movement might become necessary to restore accountability and democratic values.
“People should prepare themselves. If another revolution becomes necessary to free the country from corruption, extortion and fascism, we will be in the front line,” he said.
Shafiqur Rahman also declared that Jamaat would oppose both “old and new fascism” and would not compromise on issues of justice, accountability and national sovereignty.
The rally was attended by leaders of the 11-party alliance, including National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan and several senior alliance leaders.