Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Threatens Anti-Government Movement Over Referendum Mandate

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Jamaat-e-Islami leader and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate implementation of the national referendum mandate. Addressing an 11-party alliance rally at the K.B. Hemayet Uddin Central Eidgah in Barishal on Saturday, Rahman warned that should the government fail to honor the public will, it would face a systemic collapse similar to the regimes it replaced.

Braving inclement weather and intermittent rain, thousands of supporters gathered for the divisional rally. Rahman criticized the current administration for allegedly abandoning the reform agenda that brought it to power. He asserted that the government is straying from its mandate and warned that if its policies are not rectified before the scheduled July 25 rally in Sylhet, the alliance would escalate its movement with a massive demonstration in Dhaka.

The opposition leader accused the government of betraying the public through “fascist-style” governance, drawing comparisons to previous regimes. He specifically targeted government officials who advocate for constitutional adherence while allegedly ignoring public sentiment. Beyond political reforms, Rahman highlighted the urgent need for regional infrastructure development, including the construction of a bridge for Bhola residents and the expansion of railway networks in the southern region, arguing that national progress is impossible if Barishal remains neglected.

Speaking at the same event, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition Nahid Islam echoed these concerns, threatening a new wave of mass uprisings if the government continues to ignore the “July Charter.” Islam criticized the current leadership for failing to deliver on employment promises and for neglecting the 31-point reform agenda that was central to their pre-election platform. He specifically questioned the government’s commitment to constitutional reform, labeling current efforts as potential “farce” and advocating for the formation of a constituent assembly to draft a new national charter.

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Islam accused the administration of focusing on power consolidation rather than institutional change, pointing to rising incidents of extortion and a lack of significant job creation since the election. He urged the public to remain united in the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising to ensure the protection of national sovereignty and democracy.

The rally, presided over by Jamaat central assistant secretary Muazzam Hossain Helal, featured remarks from leaders of the 11-party alliance, including Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Col. (retd) Oli Ahmed. Ahmed declared that the Awami League has reached its political end, asserting that the party will not return to prominence in Bangladesh. He also touched upon regional tensions, cautioning against external provocations while calling for steadfast national unity.