Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan South and MP for the Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal) constituency, remarked that in the face of the historic July mass uprising, not only did autocratic Sheikh Hasina flee the country, but the Khatib and Imam of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque—known as her accomplices—were also forced to flee. He warned that no matter how much the ghosts of fascism conspire, no autocratic evil force will be allowed to raise its head again in Bangladesh, which was earned through the blood of students and the general public.
He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon as a special guest at a massive rally held at the North Gate of Baitul Mukarram. The event was organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan South to observe the historic Paltan Tragedy Day, demanding the trial of the ‘logi-boitha’ (lathi and oar) rampage and killings committed by the Awami League on October 28, 2006.
Speaking at the rally, Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud said, “October 28, 2006, is a stained day in the history of this country. Awami League terrorists carried out a cowardly attack with ‘logi-boitha’ on a peaceful rally of Jamaat at the North Gate of Baitul Mukarram. Across the country, 54 leaders and activists were brutally martyred, including 14 in the capital. However, despite so much bloodshed, our program could not be stopped even for a single second, nor could Jamaat be ousted from Paltan.”
Highlighting the fall of Awami fascism, he added, “Those who boasted about annihilating and eliminating Jamaat fled during the ’24 student-people uprising—cooking in the morning and fleeing before having lunch. Not only did Sheikh Hasina flee as part of Awami fascism, but the Khatib and Imam of this Baitul Mukarram National Mosque also fled to save themselves—everyone should remember this.”
Criticizing the role of current political entities, he stated, “The Awami League established a reign of fascism for 17 long years, while a certain group today is trying to assume that same Awami form in just a few months. Those attempting to attack Jamaat or foil its programs will face a fate even more tragic than that of the Awami League.”
He demanded the immediate execution of the killers involved in the October 28, 2006 logi-boitha rampage and called for swift, exemplary justice for all political killings committed over the past 15 and a half years.
Mia Golam Parwar, Central Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, was present at the rally as the chief guest. Additionally, top central and city leaders, including Abu Sadik Kayem, the Jamaat-nominated mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation and DUCSU VP, also addressed the gathering.
