We must unite to make achieved victory of July revolution meaningful: Jamaat chief

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman called on countrymen to unite in making the achieved victory of the July revolution in ousting the autocratic regime of the Awami League meaningful.

"The ousted autocrats are now resorting to various conspiracies to return to power, continuously trying to destabilise the country," he said at a gathering organised by the Jamaat-e-Islami Mirpur East thana unit at the Monipur High School and College grounds yesterday. 

Referring to the July massacre, he questioned if those who were responsible for killing innocent people deserve the right to engage in politics in the country.

He continued, saying that the student movement had a very legitimate demand over quota reform in government jobs, but the then-government did not want to resolve the issue positively. 

"Instead, they misused state power to divert the movement into a different direction. In essence, they ignored a minor demand but killed thousands of people, showing their brutal, inhumane nature. They did not spare students like Abu Sayed or Mugdho, and mercilessly shot at people, including women, children, and the elderly. Even infants in their mothers' laps were not safe. Despite this, the fascists remain obsessed with power. However, the people will never give them that opportunity and will resist fascist activities unitedly, at any cost," the Jamaat chief said. 

He further alleged that under the Awami League regime, all sectors of the state were destroyed. 

"They systematically dismantled all economic institutions, including banks and insurance companies. Essentially, while they promised to change the people's fate, they only changed their own. The people do not wish to return to such misrule." 

Addressing those who were in power in the past, the Ameer said, "Look back at your past. If you do good, the people will choose you again. Otherwise, they will definitely reject you." 

He urged political leaders to regain the people's trust and assured the people would accept them with open arms if they did.