DST News: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest rally and demonstration in the capital on Sunday to condemn what it described as a violation of international law through attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, and the killing of the country’s Supreme Religious Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with senior military officials.
The protest march and rally were organised on Sunday afternoon (March 1) at the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque by Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s Central Executive Council member and Dhaka Metropolitan South Ameer, Member of Parliament Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul. Thousands of students, activists, and devout Muslims participated in the programme.
Speaking as the chief guest, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Member of Parliament ATM Azharul Islam said Iran is an independent and sovereign state. He alleged that those who cannot tolerate the rise of Islam are using Israel as a tool to attempt to destroy Iran. Referring to past attacks on Iran’s parliament, economic sanctions, and ongoing conspiracies, he said Iran’s progress has not been halted despite repeated efforts.
He strongly condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, and senior military officials. Questioning Western claims of democracy and human rights, he asked how such principles could justify attacks on a sovereign country that result in the deaths of innocent civilians.
Criticising the role of the United Nations, he said that if the UN continues to side with powerful states, its relevance to global peace may come into question. He urged both the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take effective action.
Referring to Bangladesh’s domestic political situation, Azharul Islam said Jamaat-e-Islami had accepted the election results and announced it would play a constructive role as an opposition party. However, he alleged that Jamaat leaders and activists were attacked, their properties vandalised, and homes set on fire in several places following the election, demanding swift legal action against those responsible.
As a special guest, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, MP, said global opinion suggests that not only Israel but other powerful states were involved in the attack on Iran. He warned that such incidents could increase global instability and called for equal application of international law to both small and powerful nations.
Addressing the rally, Central Executive Council member and Secretary of Jamaat’s Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand said Iran has faced continuous conspiracies since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He demanded that the government place an official condemnation motion in the first session of parliament over the recent killings.
Central Executive Council member and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin said attacks by powerful states on weaker nations contradict international justice and emphasised the need for unity among Muslim countries.
In his concluding remarks, Jamaat’s Dhaka Metropolitan South Ameer Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP strongly condemned the attacks and killings in Iran and demanded an immediate end to the war. He warned that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East pose a serious threat to global peace.
Protest Over Killing of Jamaat Activist in Chuadanga
Speakers at the rally also protested the killing of Jamaat activist Hafizur Rahman in Chuadanga. They alleged that on February 28, after iftar, BNP-backed attackers brutally hacked Hafizur Rahman to death in Jiban Nagar and seriously injured several others.
They demanded immediate identification, arrest, and exemplary punishment of those responsible, warning that failure to ensure justice would compel the public to launch a strong movement against injustice, for which the government would bear responsibility.
The rally was conducted by Central Executive Council member Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, MP, and Dr. Rezaul Karim. Leaders and activists from various metropolitan units were also present.
Protest March
After the rally, a protest march began from the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram, proceeded through Bijoynagar and Kakrail, and concluded at Shantinagar intersection.
Source: Press Release
