Explosive Remarks by Jamaat Ameer at Chattogram 11-Party Rally

At an election rally of the 11-party alliance held at the Chattogram Port College ground, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that the first declaration of independence was made by Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, Bir Bikram, not Ziaur Rahman. He claimed that during the Liberation War of 1971, the first declaration of independence was made from Chattogram and that Colonel Oli Ahmed called for independence by declaring “We revolt.”

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that Colonel Oli fought on the battlefield during the Liberation War and was the second person after Ziaur Rahman in forming the BNP. However, he said that the present BNP is no longer Zia’s party, which is why Colonel Oli cannot remain there. The Jamaat Ameer further alleged that the Awami League has been practising politics of killing even before coming to power. He said that on 28 October 2006, six Jamaat activists were killed in broad daylight at Zero Point. He claimed that the Awami League has failed to bring the people onto the path of respect and love; instead, it has been attacking opposition members and harassing women.

Speaking at a public rally in Sitakunda, he said that a certain party has started various conspiracies, but those will not succeed. He said the people want a Bangladesh free from corruption and extortion and governed with good governance. He promised that if elected, corruption and extortion would be stopped.

At a public rally in Cox’s Bazar, he said that the upcoming election would be an election to show a red card to fascism. He promised that women would be given free education up to the master’s level and that Cox’s Bazar would be developed as a disciplined tourist district.

He further said at the Cox’s Bazar rally that heavyweight candidates are threatening their candidates, but the people will measure their strength by voting for the “scale” symbol. He promised that if elected, women would be placed above their heads in honour and educated youths would be given jobs. He questioned why Cox’s Bazar could not become Singapore or Shanghai. He claimed that if the four parliamentary seats of Cox’s Bazar are given to the 11-party alliance, a disciplined tourist district would be delivered.

Speaking at a public rally in Lohagara, he said that if the people give Jamaat responsibility, they will not be rulers but servants. At the rally, LDP Chairman Colonel Oli Ahmed and candidates of the 11-party alliance also addressed the gathering. Later, electoral symbols were handed over to the alliance candidates.

Through several public rallies in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman presented a new interpretation of the history of the declaration of independence and strongly criticised the Awami League. He called on the people to show a red card to fascism in the upcoming election and to build a corruption-free Bangladesh.