Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has explained why the March 26 declaration of independence by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was not included in the photo exhibition titled “July Is Not Over Yet,” although Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech was featured.

He said the exhibition was organised to portray the continuity of authoritarian and fascist rule. Ziaur Rahman’s photo was not included because he was not an authoritarian ruler, he said.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the exhibition at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition at 29 Minto Road in the capital on Saturday morning.

Diplomats from several diplomatic missions in Dhaka, including the European Union, Denmark, Canada, Iran, Pakistan and the Maldives, as well as the UN Resident Representative and the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Bangladesh, visited the exhibition.

The Jamaat chief said they deeply respect the positive contributions made by individuals throughout history and have tried to remain objective and realistic in presenting historical events.

Responding to a question about Ziaur Rahman’s absence from the exhibition, he said, “He (Ziaur Rahman) was not an authoritarian ruler. We have shown those who were authoritarian and those who were aggressive. We have presented the continuity of history. At the same time, the contributions of those who brought liberation and made contributions based on justice have also been highlighted in our documentary.”

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also alleged that many advisers of the interim government failed to demonstrate neutrality in carrying out their responsibilities.

He said a charter had been prepared after months of discussions by the Consensus Commission formed for national reforms. Although 31 political parties reached agreement on many minor issues, differences emerged when their own interests were involved. He claimed that a significant portion of these disagreements came from the current ruling party.

He said the National Citizens Party (NCP) had demanded a constituent assembly, while the BNP had proposed a referendum. He added that they had also said everyone would be bound to implement the verdict if a majority of voters said “yes” in the referendum.

“They came to power and got an opportunity to deceive. Their mindset changed. There were supposed to be two oaths, but they took one and did not take the other,” Shafiqur Rahman said.

He alleged that corruption and politicisation were continuing in a similar manner. Referring to the large number of people who were killed, injured or disabled during the July movement, he questioned whether the entire movement had been organised merely to remove one party and replace it with another.

The Leader of the Opposition said the aspirations of July have not yet been fulfilled.

“July will truly end only on the day the rights of the people are ensured. The July movement will be successful only when the expectations and aspirations for which the movement took place are implemented,” he said.

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul MP, Dhaka North City unit Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin and Secretary Dr. Rezaul Karim, among others, were present.

Shafiqur Rahman Speaks at Ulama Representatives’ Conference

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, addressed an Ulama Representatives’ Conference as the chief guest on Saturday afternoon at the IDEB Muktijoddha Conference Centre in the capital.

He said Jamaat-e-Islami wants to build a safe and dignified nation for people of all religions, races and languages.

The conference was chaired by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim. Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP, Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Tamirul Millat Madrasa Principal Mufti Khalilur Rahman Madani, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Bashar, Dr. Abdus Samad and Maulana Tarek Monwar, among others, also addressed the conference.