Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the BNP government has been betraying the people since the very first day it took office. He said that before the election, BNP, like Jamaat, had promised to accept the people’s verdict. Yet after coming to power, even as the country faces an acute gas and electricity crisis, ministers and lawmakers of the ruling party are standing in parliament and telling lies.
He made these remarks as chief guest at a roadside rally in Mohipal, Feni, Saturday afternoon, as part of a long march from Dhaka to Chattogram over a six-point demand.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further said, “We have no safe haven to flee to. Everyone knows who runs abroad the moment they see a dark cloud. Where was the power of those who now glare at us, during the past 15 and a half years? Not just a dark cloud — even if lightning strikes, the 11-party alliance will stay on the streets together with the people.”
Addressing the government, the Jamaat Amir said, “Quickly accept our six-point demand and take the straight path. Accept the people’s verdict in the referendum, and swiftly ensure justice for the July massacre and the killing of 57 army officers at Pilkhana.”
Noting that a new fascism has taken root in the country, the opposition leader warned that there is still time to course-correct. He said that if this time is allowed to pass, the consequences would be even harsher than what the Awami League faced.
On the long-march program, he said, “Our journey begins with today’s program. God willing, our long march will go to every divisional city, and afterward a mass rally will be held in Dhaka. Will that mass rally be held only to eat chira and muri, or to win our demands? I would tell the people of Feni and greater Noakhali — bring chira and muri with you if you need to, but join that rally.”
Calling on the party workers present to prepare for the final battle, he said, “When the final call comes, everyone must unite and take to the streets, and return home only after winning our demands. Prepare yourselves — we are hopeful that, God willing, the people’s victory is certain.”
The roadside rally was chaired by district Jamaat Amir Mufti Abdul Hannan. Other speakers included opposition Chief Whip and NCP leader Nahid Islam, LDP Chairman Col. (retd.) Oli Ahmed, Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju, NCP leader and lawmaker Akhter Hossain, Nasir Uddin Patwari, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and other senior central and local leaders of the 11-party alliance.