Jamaat-e-Islami Amir, Shafiqur Rahman, has demanded the release of the party’s Assistant Secretary General, ATM Azharul Islam. He stated that Jamaat has not bowed down to any oppressive force in the past 15 and a half years—it has sacrificed lives but never compromised. Urging against testing Jamaat’s patience any further, he said, “Please, do not intimidate us.”
Shafiqur Rahman made these remarks at a rally and protest march organized at Purana Paltan, Dhaka, on Tuesday afternoon, demanding the release of ATM Azharul Islam.
The pre-scheduled gathering was supposed to begin at 4:00 PM. Before that, at around 3:30 PM, a stage was set up using three pickup vans. From 3:15 PM onwards, a large number of leaders and activists from different areas of the capital arrived in processions to join the event.
Jamaat’s Amir expressed that they never imagined they would have to take to the streets to demand Azharul Islam’s release. He affirmed that until Azharul Islam is freed, their protests and demonstrations will continue. He also expressed hope that the government would act with wisdom regarding the matter.
Raising the question of why Azharul Islam is still being held, Shafiqur Rahman pointed out that since August 5, many individuals have been released one by one. He urged for the release of the last remaining oppressed person (Azharul Islam).
The top Jamaat leader warned, “We are polite but not foolish. No one should mistake our politeness for weakness.” He reiterated that Jamaat has never bowed to oppressive forces, even when its leaders faced execution. Despite various offers, they stood firm in their principles. He urged authorities not to test their patience any further.
Shafiqur Rahman also questioned why Jamaat’s registration remains blocked. He accused oppressors of withholding it and asserted that the movement will continue until all forms of discrimination are eradicated. Without naming anyone, he warned, “Do not intimidate us. Do not speak in the language of fascism.”
At the pre-protest rally, Nurul Islam Bulbul, Amir of Jamaat’s Dhaka Metropolitan South unit, stated that after the revolution, the head advisor of the interim government had cleared himself from his cases, and the legal advisor had also secured relief. Yet, for the past 14 years, ATM Azharul Islam has been suffering under a false death sentence. He questioned the hidden conspiracy behind this continued imprisonment.
Nurul Islam Bulbul further added, “We have been patient for six months and ten days. We hoped the interim government would fulfill its duty by releasing ATM Azharul Islam, who has been a victim of injustice in the new Bangladesh. But regrettably, he has not been freed yet. From this gathering, we demand his release, the reinstatement of Jamaat’s registration, and the return of its electoral symbol, the scales.”
Mohammad Selim Uddin, Amir of Jamaat’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, stated that the demand for Azharul Islam’s release was a matter of justice. He noted that they had taken to the streets after 190 days, despite never expecting to have to protest for this cause.
The rally was conducted by Shafiqul Islam Masud, Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat, and Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Jamaat. After the gathering, the protest march started from Purana Paltan and proceeded through Press Club and Matsya Bhaban before concluding at Shahbagh.
