Rangamati, Jan 18, (V7N) - A banner calling for the banning of Jamaat and other Islamic parties at the ongoing 10-day-long Folk and Handicraft Fair in Rangamati has sparked significant controversy in the city. The fair, held at Shaheed Abdus Shukkur Stadium, has displayed the banner at one of the exhibition stalls, which demands the banning of Jamaat and its allied Islamic groups. This has caused a stir, especially among the local Muslim community.
 
On Saturday evening, following the prayer, a protest march was held at the city’s Reserve Bazar in response to the banner. Several hundred Muslim protesters, under the banner of ‘Patriotic Awakened Citizens,’ participated in the march, chanting slogans against those responsible for the display. The march began at the Unnayan Board Jame Masjid and proceeded through the main roads of Reserve Bazar, culminating in a brief rally at Doel Chattar.
 
During the rally, leaders such as Advocate Abdul Salam and Advocate Zillur Rahman spoke out strongly. They condemned the banner and likened the current government’s actions to those of the past authoritarian regime. They expressed their concerns about ongoing propaganda against Jamaat and other Islamic parties, and announced plans to intensify protests if the responsible individuals were not brought to justice within 72 hours.
 
Speakers at the rally also emphasized their commitment to fighting against what they called ‘fascist elements’ in power, drawing parallels with the July Movement of the past, which saw strong opposition against the government. They vowed to continue their struggle, even if it meant sacrificing their lives, to rid the country of these 'fascist forces.'
 
The Folk and Handicraft Fair in Rangamati, initiated by the district administration, started on December 16 and is scheduled to run for ten days. At the fair, a stall was set up by a student representative of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Afia Tasnim, which featured various images and artworks depicting the July Movement, a significant political protest in Bangladesh. One of the banners at the stall controversially included language that called for the banning of Jamaat and other Islamic parties, echoing controversial statements made during the past government's time, particularly related to the "Gonojagoron Mancha" movement.
 
This banner quickly drew attention from local youth, who spread it on social media, leading to widespread anger among Islam-loving citizens. The banner was removed by 3 p.m. the same day. It was later revealed that Afia Tasnim had brought the banner herself. In response to the backlash, she posted a video on social media apologizing for the unintended mistake, acknowledging that the banner was printed in error, and promised to be more cautious in the future.
 
This incident has ignited debates and protests, as local leaders demand accountability and action against those responsible for the controversial display.
 
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