Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that although fascists had left power, the influence of fascism still remained in the country, warning that the in any form. He made the remarks while addressing a divisional rally of the eight-party alliance at Laldighi in Chattogram.

Rahman warned that anyone who “speaks the language of fascism or behaves like fascists” would face public resistance, adding that Bangladesh’s youth, students and working class would no longer accept authoritarian practices. “We resisted in the past and if anyone rises again, they will be resisted again,” he said. He stated that the alliance was not seeking victory for any specific party, but rather the fulfilment of aspirations of the nation’s 180 million people, which he said could be achieved through Qur’anic principles. Criticising the former government, Jamaat chief alleged that from 2009 to July 2024 citizens lived without freedom of speech or security and corruption, injustice were widespread.

He also claimed Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted and siphoned abroad during that period. Rahman also criticised development projects, alleging poor construction standards. He accused the former administration of targeting religious scholars and referenced past protests by Hefazat-e-Islam, claiming that killings had taken place and that leaders had been mocked by then prime minister.

Rahman further alleged that the previous government tried to use the army and police against the people and damaged key state institutions such as the judiciary, the Election Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Human Rights Commission.

The rally began shortly before 2 PM, with attendees offering Jumma prayers at Laldighi ground. Senior leaders from several Islamist and opposition groups also addressed the gathering.

The eight-party alliance presented five demands, including a pre-election referendum to implement the July National Charter 2025, introduction of proportional representation, equal opportunities for all parties in the election, visible trials for alleged past repression and corruption and banning political groups accused of supporting authoritarian rule.

Sun News/ra