Shama Obaed warns Jamaat over potential return of fascism
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said Jamaat-e-Islami would have to bear responsibility if fascism returns to Bangladesh due to its failure to play the role of a responsible opposition party.
"If the opposition fails to perform its proper role and fascist forces exploit that opportunity to raise their heads again, Jamaat will have to take responsibility for the return of fascism," she said.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing a protest rally organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Nagarkanda upazila of Faridpur on Friday as the chief guest.
The demonstration was held to protest against attempts to create terrorism, anarchy and instability across the country.
Shama said the people of Bangladesh had endured 17 years of repression, attacks, politically motivated cases and enforced disappearances.
"We have witnessed 17 years of repression, attacks, cases and enforced disappearances. When the students and people defeated the autocratic regime and the country began moving towards stability, fascist forces once again started trying to raise their heads," she said.
Referring to the country's power sector, the state minister alleged that the Awami League government had committed widespread corruption in the sector.
She said no meaningful initiatives were undertaken to address the sector's problems during the tenure of the Yunus-led interim government.
"The present government is making systematic efforts to restore normalcy in the power sector," she said.
Urging BNP leaders and activists to remain vigilant, Shama Obaed warned against attempts by authoritarian elements to infiltrate the party and undermine its activities.
She said party members must remain alert to ensure that such forces cannot enter the BNP and cause damage from within.
The state minister also reaffirmed the BNP's firm position against those who seek to undermine, insult or marginalise the country's freedom fighters.
The protest procession, organised by the BNP, began at the Nagarkanda Sadar petrol pump and paraded through the main streets of the town.
The programme concluded with a brief rally at the Nagarkanda MN Academy ground.
