Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said that "another revolution" appears to be imminent, calling on the people to prepare for what he described as the next phase of the movement against fascism.
Speaking as the chief guest at a rally organized by the 11-party alliance at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, marking the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, Shafiqur alleged that the country was again heading toward a situation that would require public resistance.
Addressing unnamed political opponents, he said that if they had not "betrayed" the people, there would have been no reason for unrest, adding that his party could not remain silent while the country faced its current circumstances.
He said revolutions transcend age, noting that people of all ages had participated in the July Mass Uprising and expressing hope that they would again take part in future movements. He also said the struggle against what he described as fascism would continue.
Shafiqur said threats of imprisonment, repression or execution would not deter his party, adding that, if necessary, they would embrace even the gallows in pursuit of what they believe is the nation's liberation.
Claiming that some political actors who had once been victims of oppression were now repeating the same practices, the Jamaat chief urged them to refrain from what he called fascist behavior. He said that if leaders respected the people, they would, in turn, earn public respect, while vowing that no form of fascism would be tolerated in Bangladesh.
He also urged the government to respect what he described as the people's mandate, claiming that ignoring public opinion had historically led to the downfall of those in power.
Shafiqur further alleged that his party was facing continuous pressure to compromise and being offered various inducements, but said Jamaat would continue to safeguard the people's mandate and would not retreat from its demands under any circumstances.
Referring to recent developments on university campuses, he claimed that students and teachers were living in fear and alleged that the culture of "gonorooms" and "guest rooms" was re-emerging. He called on students, teachers and staff to resist injustice wherever it occurs.
Criticizing the recent increase in gas prices, the Jamaat ameer alleged that authorities first create an artificial gas shortage before raising prices and then resolve the crisis afterward. He described the practice as deception against the public.
The rally was chaired by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Mamunul Haque and was also addressed by other leaders of the 11-party alliance.