Shafiqur: Jamaat will not be pawns in anyone’s game

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has said while his party does not intend to create unrest in the country, they will not serve as pawns in anyone’s game if anyone attempts to manipulate them.

“We do not accept being played with, nor should any citizen of this country be subjected to such treatment. Under the fascist regime, we often heard the phrase ‘Let the game begin,’ but we no longer wish to witness such a scenario,” Shafiqur said on Friday while addressing a discussion meeting organized by Dhaka south Jamaat-e-Islami at the National Press Club auditorium, commemorating Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.He said despite the fall of fascism, extortion and illegal land occupation continue unabated.

The Jamaat chief urged the nation to honour the sacrifices of those who lost their lives or were injured in past struggles Do not disrespect the blood, lives, dignity and emotions of the martyrs. However, we continue to witness certain injustices. We have repeatedly urged the people to take a stand, but our calls will not persist indefinitely."He further said: "Oppression is being inflicted upon the entire nation. Extortion at various checkpoints has caused commodity prices to skyrocket, placing immense pressure on ordinary citizens. Why should we remain silent and tolerate such injustices? We must establish social resistance against these wrongdoingsAppealing to people from all political affiliations, he said: “Let the nation move forward. We must ensure that no new form of fascism emerges. Those responsible must step back. If they do not, our struggle will continue.”Shafiqur also urged critics to be fair in their assessments. “If we make mistakes, criticize us.

 However, if someone deliberately fabricates falsehoods in our name, we will not accept it. We will protest if anything is falsely attributed to us. Criticism should be based on truth and accuracy.”The Jamaat ameer accused the erstwhile Awami League government of oppression, claiming that ATM Azharul Islam, convicted of war crimes, was unjustly sentenced through a “kangaroo court.In protest, I am willing to voluntarily go to jail.

Thousands of our activists have expressed their willingness to join me. I am grateful to them, but I tell them that there is no need for thousands. I will go alone. My colleagues must remain outside to restore justice. If everyone is inside, who will clean up the mess? Let me stay in prison as a symbol of oppression,” he declared.