Md. Sohel Rana
Special Correspondent
Bangla FM
Protest marches and rallies have been held demanding the release of former central acting secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, ATM Azharul Islam.
The procession, as part of the central program, started from in front of the Munshiganj District Jamaat office at 3 pm on Tuesday (February 18) and ended at the DC office after circling the main road of the city. Approximately 10,000 leaders and workers participated in the protest procession initiated by the District Jamaat-e-Islami.
At that time, leaders and activists participated in the procession with banners of various upazilas and unions of the district and festoons with their party logos. A pre-procession rally was held.
At this time, the speakers said that the previous fascist government of Bangladesh has unleashed a steamroller of torture on the Jamaat-e-Islami for not accepting Indian supremacy in a compromise manner on the issue of independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Top leaders of Jamaat have been killed and imprisoned through the Kangaroo Tribunal.
After the country was liberated from dictatorship and fascism on August 5, many people have been released from prison. However, Jamaat leader A.T.M. Azharul Islam has not been released. He is still being held in jail unjustly.
The speakers called on the interim government to release A.T.M. Azharul Islam as soon as possible and return the party registration and symbol.
The rally was presided over by District Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Mr. Maulana A.K.M. Fakhruddin Razi and was attended by the chief guest, Central Majlish-e-Shura member and Munshiganj District Ameer Mr. Maulana A.J.M. Ruhul Quddus.
In his speech as the chief guest, AJM Ruhul Quddus said, ATM Azharul Islam has been imprisoned for 13 years by the fascist government through a fabricated false case. Jamaat was banned on August 1st and on the 5th, he fled Bangladesh.
ATM Azharul Islam Saheb graduated with honors from Rangpur Carmichael College in 1968. So how could he be involved in the murder in 1971?
One witness in his fabricated case said he saw him from 3 kilometers away. Another said he saw him from 6 kilometers away.
Immediately call for the unconditional release of ATM Azharul Islam and the return of the party registration and party symbol. Otherwise, he will be forced to resign through a violent movement.
Also speaking were the Nayeb Ameer of the district, Mr. Maulana Nurul Haque Patwary, Munshiganj District President of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Mujahidul Islam, and members of the District Shura and Karma Parishad.
Also present were the District President of the Workers' Welfare Federation, Mr. Md. Khizir Abdus Salam, Secretary, Mr. Md. Mojibur Rahman, and the Amirs of various upazilas.
