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Govt moving towards fascism: Jamaat Ameer
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday claimed that the country is not in a “good condition” and accused the government of moving towards fascism.
Speaking as the chief guest at a civic gathering held at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Sylhet, he said “1947 is our foundation, 1971 is our pride, and 2024 is our direction for change.”
Shafiqur Rahman claimed that though Bangladesh has entered a post-July uprising democratic phase, the country and its people are not in a good condition.
He alleged that incidents such as child rape and murder, killings, theft, mugging, extortion, and terrorist activities have increased alarmingly.
The Jamaat chief further accused the government of focusing on appointing partisan individuals at various levels of the state machinery, saying it “betrayed the nation regarding the July Charter and referendum.”
According to him, the government is moving towards “fascist rule” after insulting 70 percent voters who supported the “Yes” vote in the referendum.
Shafiqur Rahman warned that public anger is increasing and said those in power will have to face consequences.
He also cautioned that attempts to govern in an “authoritarian manner” will lead to consequences, adding that “July will return again and again.”
The opposition leader raised concerns over the banking sector, alleging that money is not available in several banks.
He claimed that customers of five merged banks are struggling to withdraw their funds.
The Jamat chief further alleged that efforts are underway to “take over” Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC through “night-time online meetings.”
He criticised the recent increase in fuel prices, calling it an example of decisions being made “in darkness”, questioning whether this was a “night-time government.”
Shafiqur Rahman said the consequences of appointing a former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank as chairman of Islami Bank will be good.
He stated that even small shareholders are rightful owners of banks and threatened that depositors themselves might be forced to take to the streets in protest. “As a client, I may also have to take to the streets.”
The Jamaat ameer said while they had accepted election results even with pain in the national interest, they will not tolerate injustice any longer, reports UNB.
He said Jamaat will continue its struggle both inside and outside Parliament to establish people’s rights.