Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, immediately after August 5, I first called on the countrymen and party leaders to guard temples or places of worship of people of different religions. Not only the temple, but also if any person feels insecure, I have called him to stand by him. We will not allow any violence.
He said this while visiting Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Thursday (August 8). After the visit, he interacted with the temple authorities, puja committee and priests. At this time, the leaders of the committee welcomed the Jamaat leaders with flowers.
He said that when there is a crisis in Bangladesh, the miscreants blame others for their misdeeds. It is only greed to attack the opponent in times of crisis. But those involved in crime should be brought under the law.
Ameer Jamaat said, we did not stand by you to take advantage of anyone or take political advantage. As a human being, standing by as part of civic duty. He mentioned, going beyond our vision, we will take action if any of us do something. Such incidents will not be tolerated.
He said, this country belongs to all of us. Weare the minority, not the majority. All those born in Bangladesh are proud citizens of the country. Religion cannot be a barrier to availing civic benefits. No one’s religion can be imposed on anyone. He pointed out that regardless of party, everyone should enjoy civil rights.
Among the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, Central Nayeb Amir Dr. was present in the exchange meeting. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Council Member and Amir Nurul Islam Bulbul of Dhaka Metropolitan South, Deputy Amir Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, member of the central working council and secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Assistant Secretary Delwar Hossain, Kamal Hossain and Dr. Abdul Mannan and others.
President of Central Puja Celebration Committee Mr. Vasudev Dahar was present in the exchange meeting held among others, Jayant Kumar Dev, President of Metropolitan Public Puja Committee, General Secretary of Jatiya Hindu Mahazot Govinda Chandra Pramanik, General Secretary Dr. Tapas Pal, Mahanagar Puja Celebration Committee President CR Majumdar, Mahanagar Puja Celebration Committee Joint General Secretary Subhashi Biswas, Dhakeshwari Temple Management Committee General Secretary DL Chatterjee, Bangladesh Puja Celebration Parishad Joint General Secretary Rabindra Nath Basu, Teacher Sadhan Chandra Biswas, Mahanagar Sarvajanin Puja Joint General Secretary of the Committee Advocate Kishore Kumar Basu Roy Chowdhury Pintu, Giridari Saha, Subashi Biswas etc.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said in his speech, this country belongs to all of us. We are the minority, not the majority. All those born in Bangladesh are proud citizens of the country. Religion cannot be a barrier to availing civic benefits. No one’s religion can be imposed on anyone.
He pointed out that everyone should enjoy the civil rights irrespective of the party. He said that when there is a crisis in Bangladesh, the miscreants blame others for their misdeeds.
Ameer Jamaat said, we respect people as people. It doesn’t matter who made a party, everyone is human. Referring to the incident of boat sinking in Panchagarh in 2022, he said, “We go there as soon as possible.” But we stood by them not to show mercy, but as a moral responsibility. When the Babri Masjid was demolished in India, the Jamaat-e-Islami guarded the Hindu temple.
Dr. Shafiq said, immediately after August 5, I first called upon the countrymen and party leaders to guard temples or places of worship of different religions. Not only the temple, but also if any person feels insecure, I have called him to stand by him. We will not allow any violence.
He said, at the moment the police administration is not in the field, there is no traffic. Our children are responsible for trafficking. Everyone should work together to maintain peace and order in the country until the new government assumes responsibility. We have called upon the leaders and activists of Jamaat to stand by the administration. We will launch an emergency help line very soon. This number will be open to all.
He said, attacking the opponent in times of crisis is just greed. But those involved in crime should be brought under the law.
He said, we did not stand by you to take advantage of anyone or take political advantage. As a human being, standing by as part of civic duty. He mentioned, going beyond our vision, we will take action if any of us do something. Such incidents will not be tolerated.
He said, we should try to call white as white and black as black. In this case, you have to speak without any reservation.
Shri Vasudev Dhar said, at the moment of victory, I found politicians in Dhakeswari temple. We are thankful that Jamaat-e-Islami is playing a role in protecting our temple at the moment of National Day. We all have to play a united role in the determination to build the country.
DL Chatterjee said today is a historic moment. Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami have come here. He said, Bangladesh is facing a crisis. Now communal harmony has to be maintained. Everyone should be united right now.
Jayant Kumar Dev said, we are attacked when the government changes again and again. We are citizens of this country. So why should we be persecuted? He welcomed the Jamaat leaders and said, we will stand together in times of danger, happiness and sorrow.
After that, the Ameer Jamaat exchanged views with the family members of the martyrs at Mirhajir Bagh. At that time, he said, we still do not know how many martyrs have died in the student movement. Data is being collected. Many bodies were not found. The tyrannical ruler had lost the moral power to return even their bodies. He said, the extent of brutality they resorted to to maintain power illegally cannot be imagined. He said to the family members of the martyrs that victory has come on the path of their martyrdom. And that no tyrannical ruler should return among us, we hope that.
Central Executive Council Member and Amir of Dhaka Metropolitan South Nurul Islam Bulbul presided over by Central Working Council Member and Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Dr. Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud also spoke at the meeting held by Central Naib Amir. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, Abdul Matin, father of martyr Saiful Islam, father-in-law Ansar Ali and father of martyr Rezaul Karim Al-Amin etc.
Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, “In 1971, we gained independence, but in these 52 years, we were bound by the chains of subjugation.” Through the revolution of the students, we have achieved complete freedom this time. We got our second freedom in exchange for the blood of martyrs.
Rafiqul Islam Khan said, not everyone can achieve the glory of martyrdom. Those whom Allah accepts are martyrs. He urged the family of the martyrs to be patient, then everyone will have the honor of being present as the family of the martyrs on the Day of Judgment.
President Nurul Islam Bulbul’s speech said, “We have achieved victory on August 5 in exchange of the blood of students and people.” I gained freedom again. May Allah accept them as martyrs. We got new Bangladesh in exchange for their blood. This achievement must be maintained.
Later Jamaat Amir went to Shaheed Mehedi Hasan’s house in Noorpur, Kadamtali. At that time Shaheed Imran’s family, Shaheed Sohail’s son Billal Hossain aged three years and seven months were present. At this time, he exchanged views with the martyr’s family members. Check them out. He consoled them.
Later he offered Zohar prayer at Paterbagh Central Jame Masjid. After the prayer, he exchanged views with the Muslims.
In the morning, he visited Dhaka Medical College Hospital to see the injured during the quota movement. He witnessed the ruthlessness of the Awami government in suppressing the movement, the brutality of the injured people. Check them out. Talk to their relatives. He assured the necessary cooperation regarding the treatment. The injured said that despite their pain, they were moved by the newfound freedom.