Acting Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and ex-lawmaker Maulana A N M Shamsul Islam has issued the following statement on 12th April, 2018 extending greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of Pohela (First) Boishakh, Bengali New Year.
“Bangla Nababarsha (Bengali New Year) is approaching us. On this day, the local traders and businessmen arrange program to celebrate fresh opening of the business records for another year. Since the era of Mughal Emperor Akbar, this day of Pahela Boishakh has been observed as Bangla Nababarsha (New Year in Bengali calendar).
This time, the nation is going to observe New Bengali Year in such a crucial period when an undemocratic and authoritarian regime is ruling the nation. There is no presence of democracy, voting rights, rule of law and justice in the country now. In the name of democracy, the government is continuing unprecedented repression against the peoples. Central Bank’s reserve fund has been looted. Women are being raped mercilessly and frequently. Peoples are being victimized of enforced disappearances. The nation is witnessing continuous and unchecked trend of bribery, corruption and malpractices.
The fascist government has seized the freedom of media. People’s rights to express, right to speak and all other basic rights have been subdued. In the name of ‘Mongol Shovajatra’ and ‘Mongol Pradip’, ill-cultures of other religion are being imported to celebrate the occasion. On the other hand, deep-rooted conspiracy is going on to eliminate Islamic education and culture. The countrymen want to get to rid of this situation. This year, Bangla Nababarsha has appeared before us with such an appeal of freedom.
Let us take stand once again against the incumbent fascist government so that our fellow countrymen can build this country to lead a life with comfort, peace and tranquillity. I am praying for everybody’s happiness, prosperity and good health. I am also wishing a Bangladesh free from repression, oppression and torture. On behalf of my party, I would like to convey the greetings of Bangla Nababarsha to my fellow countrymen. I am also urging the countrymen to come forward to build an oppression-free, peaceful and developed nation based on equality and justice.
