Anyone who talks about 1972 constitution essentially opposes Ziaur Rahman: Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has criticised those who "cling to the 1972 Constitution" and accused them of attempting to undermine the legacy of the late president Ziaur Rahman.

Speaking at the Khulna divisional rally of the like-minded eight parties at Shibbari intersection this afternoon, he said, "After the era of misrule in Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman came to power and fundamentally changed the Constitution. If anyone now talks about the 1972 Constitution, they are essentially speaking against the martyred president. Begum Khaleda Zia, who is in deep crisis [gravely ill] today, never spoke in favour of the 1972 Constitution. We hope those who love these two leaders will refrain from mentioning it."

The Jamaat ameer alleged that some individuals are "displaying the arrogance of power without being in power" and weaving conspiracies ahead of the upcoming election.

"You may tear down posters on the road, but you cannot tear down the ones in the heart," he said, condemning attacks on political campaigning.

He claimed that from village courts to the highest, those without influence "do not receive justice in Bangladesh."

He added that Jamaat seeks "the victory of the oppressed," assuring the youth that the like-minded parties would fight on their behalf.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, speaking as a special guest, said the July revolution of 2024 had divided the country into two camps -- those aligned with the 1972 pro-Baksal ideology and those aligned with the revolutionary forces of 2024.

"After crossing a sea of blood, the fascism that was uprooted in July will never return to the soil of Bengal," he said. Mamunul insisted that a referendum must be held to give the July Charter its legal legitimacy before the national election.

He issued a warning to the interim government, saying that "history will not forgive you" if the referendum is not held.

Mamunul also sought prayers for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

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The rally was presided over by Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, widely known as Pir Saheb Chormonai.

Other speakers included Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Sakhawat Hossain, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party Secretary General Mufti Musa Bin Izhar, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon Secretary General Maulana Yusuf Sadeq Hakkani, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party–Jagpa Vice-President and spokesperson Engineer Rashed Pradhan, and Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate Anwarul Islam Chan.