Dhaka, Dec 16 (V7N)- On the occasion of Victory Day, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, delivered a strong message at a rally organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat at the Bijoynagar water tank intersection on Monday morning.

Justice for the 'Shahbagis' and the October 28, 2006 Incident

In his speech, Dr. Rahman emphasized the need for justice for those who were killed on the demand of the 'Shahbagis' and those who formed a counter-government, referring to the events of the Shahbagh Movement. He declared that justice would be brought to those who were murdered and that the perpetrators of these crimes would also face legal consequences.

Rahman also reflected on the tragic events of October 28, 2006, when several members of Jamaat were killed. He condemned the violence, asking why no one has been held accountable for the deaths of those innocent individuals, calling the killers "worse than animals" according to the teachings of Allah. He promised that the case would be reopened for trial, ensuring justice for the victims.

Independence and Sovereignty of Bangladesh

Dr. Rahman continued his speech by asserting that the sovereignty of Bangladesh would never be compromised. He stated that no foreign aggressor or hegemonist would be allowed to undermine the country's independence, and criticized those who had fled the country and sold its sovereignty for their personal gain. He also expressed frustration with political leaders who had exploited the country through terror and abandoned it by sending their children abroad.

Call for Electoral Reforms

In his address, Rahman emphasized the importance of holding fair and transparent national elections. He called for a clean and accurate voter list, including expatriates, and urged the Election Commission to take necessary actions to remove fake voters from the list. He also stressed the need for a fair environment for the upcoming elections, free from manipulation.

Defending Independence and National Identity

Dr. Rahman concluded his speech by reminding the nation that the bloodshed in 1971 secured Bangladesh’s independence, but it wasn’t until 2024 that the country would be free from exploitation. He warned that the "garbage" created in the past 15 and a half years must be cleared, so the 180 million people of Bengal could safeguard their independence and ensure that it would not be hijacked again.

END/MSS/AJ