Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir and leader of the opposition in parliament Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged prime minister Tarique Rahman to accept the referendum verdict, warning of consequences if the people’s mandate was ignored.
‘Accept the referendum verdict peacefully. Do not provoke us. Those who accept the gallows with a smile do not fear death. Remember, locks change and keys also change. Time is running out. If there is no change, you must be prepared for the consequences,’ he said while addressing a divisional rally in Chattogram as the chief guest.
The rally, organised by the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, demanded implementation of the referendum verdict, control of commodity prices, improvement in the law and order situation and protection of people’s legitimate rights.
Criticising the government, Shafiqur alleged that although the prime minister had pledged to crack down on crime and extortion, the practice had instead been institutionalised.
‘You said you would suppress crime and extortion and take action against criminals and extortionists. But you have nationalised it,’ he said referring the PM Tarique Rahman.
Addressing the rally, National Citizen Party convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam alleged that efforts were underway to return Islami Bank to the S Alam Group.
‘The process of capturing banks has begun again and arrangements are being made to return Islami Bank to S Alam. The people of Bangladesh know who rode in S Alam’s vehicles to receive receptions and who is providing them protection. The people will never accept such occupation,’ he warned.
Liberal Democratic Party chairman retired Colonel Oli Ahmad and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish amir Allama Mamunul Haque also addressed the rally.
The programme, presided over by Jamaat assistant secretary general and Chattogram region team director Muhammad Shahjahan, began at 3:00pm with leaders from the alliance and district and metropolitan units under Chattogram division delivering speeches. A large number of people attended the rally.
