Shafiqur Vows Protest Over Rejected Referendum

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Monday warned of renewed authoritarianism in Bangladesh and vowed to launch a movement to press for the implementation of the recent referendum results.

Speaking at a programme marking the founding anniversary of the Jatiya Ganotantric Party at the Jatiya Press Club, he alleged that the outcome of the referendum had been ignored despite what he described as clear public support.

Shafiqur said opposition forces would resist any move towards what he called “neo-fascism” and urged people from all walks of life to join what he described as a broader public movement.

He said the issue was not confined to any single political party, but was instead linked to the rights, justice and democratic aspirations of the people.

The Jamaat chief also criticised the current parliament, accusing it of failing to reflect or respect public opinion.

He said his party would take its position directly to the people rather than relying solely on parliamentary processes to pursue implementation of the referendum verdict.

Describing the mobilisation as only the beginning, Shafiqur said the movement would continue in the interest of the country and its people.

In an apparent criticism of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a two-thirds majority in the latest parliamentary election, he said parties that fail to practise democracy internally cannot be expected to protect democracy nationally.

He also claimed that the people’s mandate had been undermined, arguing that the referendum showed strong public backing for the “Yes” vote.

Shafiqur said his party had consistently supported that position and would continue its efforts to ensure the result is respected.