Emphasizing that the northern region will no longer be neglected, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, said, "The districts of the northern region deserve special recognition and attention. However, these areas had long been neglected. This practice will not continue any more. The people of this region are deeply religious and satisfied having little. He further prayed for Allah's mercy and blessings upon this region and remarked, We wish for good relations with our neighbors, From our neighbors, we do expect neighborly conduct. He also pointed out that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces numerous charges including murder and enforced disappearances, and urged India to take action and hand her over to the law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh when the courts request.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at a workers' conference organized by the Nilphamari District Jamaat-e-Islami on the morning of November 8, at the Municipality Field. The conference was presided over by the District Jamaat Ameer, Principal Maulana Abdus Sattar, and hosted by the district's secretary, Professor Antazul Islam. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central council member Principal Mamataz Uddin, Mahbubur Rahman Belal, Anwar Hossain (father of Shaheed Mahidul), former district Ameer of Thakurgaon Maulana Abdul Hakim, former district Ameer of Nilphamari Abdur Rashid, and District Ameer from Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, and Panchagarh attended the program as special guests. local leaders from Jamaat and BNP, and many others also joined the program.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman continued, "For the past 15 years, there has been no peace in the country. People of all religions have been persecuted. Jamaat-e-Islami has become the worst victim of their repression. Jamaat’s offices were sealed, and people with dissident views were not allowed to stay in their homes.
He stated, "After Awami League came to power, the first assault was on the army. Fifty-seven patriotic officers of the BDR were killed, and their families were murdered. After the killings, the perpetrators were allowed to escape. The army conducted an investigation into the incident, but the report has never been made public."
He went on to say, "After breaking the morale of the army through the BDR massacre, attacks were then directed at Jamaat-e-Islami. The party's top leaders, including Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami, Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, and Allama Saeedee, were arrested in fabricated cases. They were accused of war crimes, murder, rape, and looting. All these charges were entirely false. None of these leaders had any involvement in crimes during the war of 1971, and yet, 42 years later, cases were filed against them. These fabricated charges were brought in forth along with partymen as witnesses. He added, "The trial was politically motivated, and even the judgment was dictated from Brussels. The judicial system was manipulated, and as a result, these leaders were sentenced to death."
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also emphasized the need for a new Bangladesh, stating, "We are the heirs of the martyrs. It is our duty to build a Bangladesh free from inequality. There will be no more discrimination in this country. We will not engage in any crimes or corruption, nor will we allow anyone else to do so. We do not take bribes and will not allow others to take bribe as well."
He further stated that Jamaat-e-Islami has had ministers in the past who served with integrity, and no one could prove any corruption or wrongdoing against them. He asserted that, if given the opportunity, Jamaat would ensure a corruption-free government and act as the guardian of the people's property and safety.
He also expressed his commitment to a society where there would be no unemployed educated youth, the dignity of women would be protected, unity and brotherhood would prevail, and justice would be established. He declared that in the new Bangladesh, all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, would enjoy equal rights.
Maulana Abdul Halim added, "A revolution has occurred to end inequality and fascism. Reform and elections are both necessary. Without reforms, elections will remain as questionable as before. The government must urgently implement reforms for fair elections." He urged party workers to organize themselves and move forward unitedly.
Principal Abdus Sattar stated, "The history of the Awami League is one of terrorism, famine, and bank looting. To prevent the return of fascism, a strong unity is required among all parties and groups, regardless of ideology."
