Bangladesh Jamaat-E-Islami has emphasised the need for reforms and a roadmap for a free and fair election within a reasonable timeframe.
"The interim government should engage in dialogue with all political parties and stakeholders to facilitate a credible election," he said speaking at a Rukan conference organised by the Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat at Al Farooq Society in Sonadanga, Khulna on Friday (27 September).
He emphasised the need for reforms and a roadmap for a free and fair election within a reasonable timeframe.
"The nation had suffered under continuous oppression, abductions, killings, lootings, rapes, and systemic persecution since 10 January 2009. No citizen of the country was spared from the atrocities of the ruling regime," he added.
While indirectly referring to the Awami League, the Jamaat Amir asserted that those responsible for genocide had no right to engage in politics.
He further emphasised that political activities should reflect the aspirations of the people, rather than being influenced by external forces.
Recalling the Pilkhana BDR mutiny, the Jamaat chief pointed to the brutal killing of 57 committed and patriotic army officers, questioning who was responsible for such a heinous act and why the perpetrators have yet to be revealed to the nation.
He compared the incident to major global conflicts, noting that no single day of battle in World War II witnessed such a mass killing of military officers. He described this as a tragic chapter in Bangladesh's history, still shrouded in mystery.
The Jamaat Ameer went on to describe the Awami League’s rule as the first step towards fascism, beginning with the massacre of the army officers in the BDR mutiny.
He condemned the subsequent persecution of Jamaat leaders, who were either executed or imprisoned, and the attempts to obliterate the party. He criticised the baseless accusations of blasphemy brought against Jamaat leaders, who had spent their lives spreading the teachings of Islam.
However, he expressed hope that justice would soon be served, as those responsible for the conspiracy are now facing arrest, with the current government expected to initiate judicial proceedings against them.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman further stated that over the past 15 years of Awami League rule, no citizen of the country was immune to the rampant looting and oppression.
He remarked that the cries of thousands, including women and children, had reached the heavens, leading to the mass uprising in July, spearheaded by the nation’s students and general populace.
Jamaat’s Secretary General, Professor Mia Ghulam Parwar, who also spoke at the conference, referred to the July-August uprising as the culmination of 15 years of the oppressed people's tears.
He remarked that despite 15 years of Awami League's rule and two years under Moinuddin-Fakhruddin’s regime, Jamaat-e-Islami has remained a beloved organisation among the people, thanks to their unwavering faith in Allah.
He credited the 5 August student-led uprising for liberating the country from 17 years of tyranny and urged party members to continue their duties with utmost patience to preserve the newfound freedom.
The Rukan conference was presided over by Professor Mahfuzur Rahman, Amir of Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat, with speeches delivered by central executive committee member Md Mubarak Hossain and Khulna regional assistant director Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
