Awami League has no moral right to engage in politics, says Jamaat chief Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said the Awami League has ‘no moral right’ to engage in politics due to its alleged involvement in “genocide”.

Addressing a discussion at the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh Auditorium in Dhaka on Monday to commemorate the victims of the Oct 28, 2006 ‘Logi-Boitha’ violence, Shafiqur condemned the party’s past actions.

He said, “In 1996, their [Awami League] party leader claimed that if one of their members was killed, they would retaliate with ten deaths. This time, they did not say it, but they did it. To vent their anger on the nation, they murdered innocent people and burnt their bodies with petrol. And now, they claimed they wanted to engage in politics and contest elections here again.”

“How can those who have fought against the nation seek votes in an election? They have no moral right to do so,” he added.

The Jamaat-e-Islami chief said the Awami League had transformed this country into a state of turmoil.

“In 1996, they [Awami League] pleaded for forgiveness for past crimes, asking the public for one opportunity to demonstrate patriotism. The public granted it, and in return, they gifted us bloodshed and corpses.”

The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also spoke on the nation’s political climate, stressing the importance of unity among citizens against fascism.

“Those of us engaged in politics must be vigilant, especially on matters of national crises and interests. We must not allow divisions in these fundamental areas,” he added.