Stop attacks, implement July Charter

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance on Monday called on the BNP leadership to stop "attacks" on their leaders and activists across the country, warning of a tougher movement if such incidents of attacks continue.
At a protest rally held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the city, the alliance leaders also urged immediate implementation of the July Charter and threatened fresh street agitation if the upcoming BNP-led government dilly dallies over its implementation.
They alleged that supporters of the BNP carried out attacks on Jamaat activists in Hatiya and several other areas following the election.
They warned that another mass uprising similar to those in July-August 2024 could recur if prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman fails to stop such incidents.
They said they had hoped for a peaceful and free election, but alleged it was manipulated.
Saiful Alam Khan Milon, a Jamaat MP from Dhaka-12, alleged election engineering and irregularities in the polls.
"The election was not truly free and fair. After the election, attacks were carried out on our party leaders and activists. I call upon BNP to stop these attacks," he said.
Jatiya Ganotantrik Party leader Rashed Prodhan claimed that BNP activists were targeting alliance members, and vowed to continue political struggle to establish people's rights.
Prof Abdul Jalil, joint secretary general of Khelafat Majlish, said people's aspirations were shattered due to alleged manipulation in the February 12 election.
National Citizen Party joint convener Nasiruddin Patwary also alleged vote engineering and vote rigging and said his party would remain on the streets.
He demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi and called for reforms and an end to extortion.
Khelafat Majlish Ameer Mamunul Haque described the election as controversial and accused the administration of bias.
"Fascism will never return to Bangladesh. If you create any path for them (fallen Awami League) to come back, your (BNP's) fate will be the same as that of the Awami regime during July-August 2024," he said.
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said people had expected a 'new Bangladesh' after the July-August mass uprising, but conspiracies were underway against its spirit.
He alleged irregularities in the announcement of election results and called on the Election Commission to resolve complaints in 30 constituencies.
"We see signs of new fascism as they (BNP) attack our party leaders and activists," he said.
He also demanded immediate implementation of the July Charter and justice for the killings during the July uprising.
After the rally, activists brought out a procession that ended at Shahbagh.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com