The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, on Saturday demanded that the interim government ensure the trial of all criminal activities committed in the name of politics, including abductions, murders, kidnappings, extortion, looting, and the torture of women over the past 54 years since independence.
“The judiciary was exiled in the past, depriving the people of justice. If justice were ensured for them, the people of this country would be able to live in peace,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks while addressing a workers' conference as the chief guest at Shaheed Boro Maidan in Dinajpur.
He said that the incumbent interim government must implement the rule of law in the country through a fair judicial system.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman also accused Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina of embezzling the country’s resources.
He said: "In the name of development, the fascist Awami League government has embezzled Tk26,000 crores from the country. Justice in the country has been turned into a mockery. However, we will not take the law into our own hands."
However, he added that the people of Bangladesh delivered a fitting reply to her misdeeds through the student-led movement on August 5, 2024.
“Now, a wind of peace is blowing across the country. Everyone must show due respect to the sacrifice of the young generation. Only then can the sacrifice of the youth be properly appreciated,” he said.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman also referred to the judgment of a judge who had acted in a biased manner, identifying himself as a party man.
He called for a criminal case to be filed against him for violating the oath of a judge.
He said that the Awami League and its supporters had falsely implicated many Jamaat members in fabricated cases, with even men, women, and children not being spared from false charges.
Dr Rahman further said: "Many leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami have been murdered under the guise of executions. Mothers and sisters should be able to carry out their activities in a secure environment—this is what Jamaat-e-Islami wants. We want justice to proceed through a fair and equitable process."
He added: "Our struggle is to build a humane Bangladesh. The principles given by Allah are for everyone, and we aspire to establish such a Bangladesh."
