Dhaka: Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman today criticized the previous Awami government, labeling it as fascist and accusing it of suppressing democracy. In a statement issued on the eve of the 'International Day of Democracy', Dr Rahman expressed that the government deprived people of their voting rights, justice, social security, and fundamental rights. He highlighted the July mass uprising of 2024 as a pivotal moment that offered a historic opportunity to re-establish democracy in Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Rahman emphasized that democracy is essential for building a just society. He noted that protecting democracy allows society to progress free from autocracy, exploitation, and discrimination. Dr Rahman described democracy as the foundation for establishing the fundamental rights of the people, including social justice, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.
Dr Rahman reflected on the sacrifices and struggles in Bangladesh's history to restore democracy and human rights, urging that the revolution must not fail. He expressed the aspirations of the nation to build a discrimination-free and humane Bangladesh. On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, Jamaat-e-Islami reiterated its commitment to consolidating and institutionalizing democracy in the country.
He assured that Jamaat-e-Islami is dedicated to establishing equality, the rule of law, citizens' rights, and freedom of expression. Dr Rahman stressed that the nation should not suffer from enforced disappearances, killings, or crossfire. He pledged to build a transparent, people-oriented system and emphasized the need to eliminate bribery, corruption, extortion, and land grabbing by establishing democracy and combating injustice and corruption.