Jamaat Ameer calls for mass movement, vows to uphold referendum verdict

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and leader of the opposition in parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has warned of a resurgence of "neo-fascism" in the country and pledged to implement the referendum verdict.
He called upon the people to join a movement to resist what he described as attempts to revive neo-fascism and to uphold the referendum outcome.
He also criticised parliament for "ignoring" the public mandate.
"A renewed journey of fascism began in the country when the people's verdict in the referendum was denied," he said while speaking as the chief guest at the National Press Club on Monday, marking the founding anniversary of the Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA).
"We will stop this course and not allow it to proceed," he added.
Mr Rahman called upon all citizens to join the movement, stressing that it is "not for any party or group - it is for the people."
"In this fight for justice and truth, victory will belong to the people," he said.
He further stated that parliament has failed to understand and respect the aspirations of the people. "We are therefore returning to the people from parliament to implement the referendum verdict," he added. "This is just the beginning. This movement is for 180 million people," he continued.
Criticising the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he said, "Those who cannot practise democracy within their own party cannot ensure democracy or security for the people of the country."
He also claimed that the people's mandate in the election was "hijacked."
"The people gave their verdict, but it was snatched away. Seventy per cent of people voted in favour of 'Yes' - that is the proof," he said.
"We were, are, and will remain in favour of 'Yes'. Whether parliament accepts it or not, we will implement the referendum verdict - we will realise it, In Sha Allah," he added, reaffirming his party's commitment to the referendum outcome.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com