The Jamaat chief criticises the government for allegedly neglecting the July Uprising victims, closing the July Memorial Museum, and mishandling border issues.
Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman speaks in parliament. File Photo/Collected
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Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman speaks in parliament. File Photo/Collected
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman today (14 July) said any delay in the trial of the killings related to the 2024 July Uprising would not be accepted by the people.
He also criticised the government over “neglect” of the martyrs and injured from the uprising, the continued closure of the July Memorial Museum, and its handling of border issues.
Speaking during a special general discussion in parliament on the July Uprising and the trial of the killings committed during the previous government’s tenure, Shafiqur said forgetting the victims would amount to “betraying one’s own soul.”
“The blood of the July martyrs cannot be betrayed. The people will not tolerate any delay or excuse in holding the trial of the July killings,” he said, adding that the July Uprising was not a sudden incident but the culmination of a 17-and-a-half-year movement against authoritarian rule.
Shafiqur, also the Jamaat ameer, said those who were forcibly disappeared, killed, or left disabled by bullet injuries during that period must not be forgotten.
He alleged that those who speak about the spirit of July are now forcing injured and disabled July fighters to go door to door for support.
Shafiqur also expressed dissatisfaction over the allocation of speaking time during the parliamentary discussion.
Responding to remarks by government lawmakers and some ministers, he said responsible figures were presenting inaccurate information about the political context of 1996 and the history of alliances without proper knowledge of the issue.
He said arrangements to treat critically injured July fighters at hospitals in Bangkok had been made during the tenure of the interim government.
However, despite making major promises, the current government has failed to ensure treatment for many injured and disabled victims, he alleged.
Calling for an end to blame politics, the Jamaat chief urged the state to take full responsibility for the treatment of injured July fighters.
He also proposed cutting allowances and benefits of all lawmakers, if necessary, to fund the rehabilitation of injured victims.
He further said he would be the first to give up his own parliamentary benefits for the cause.
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