Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has sharply criticized what he terms as 15 and a half years of relentless persecution against his party, claiming that no other political group in the nation has faced such prolonged oppression.

Despite this, Dr. Rahman emphasized that the party would not seek revenge, cautioning that revenge only breeds resentment and violence in society.

Dr. Rahman made these statements on Friday morning during a meeting in Brahmandi, Narsingdi, held in memory of 19 families who lost loved ones in the Narsingdi anti-discrimination student movement. He attended the event as the chief guest.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman condemned the targeted persecution of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and members, noting that 11 top leaders were executed in what he described as cold-blooded actions masquerading as justice.

He also highlighted the disappearance of hundreds of party activists, the injury of thousands more, and cases where individuals were blinded or had their limbs amputated. "Despite our immense suffering, we have made it clear that we will not seek revenge," he stated.

Dr. Rahman reiterated that while the party seeks broad forgiveness, individual crimes should still be addressed with justice, though he stressed that this should not involve taking the law into their own hands.

"Revenge only breeds resentment, and resentment fosters an environment of violence," he cautioned, advocating for a more peaceful resolution to the injustices faced by his party.

The meeting, presided over by Maulana Mosleh Uddin, the Ameer of Narsingdi District Jamaat, included prominent Jamaat leaders such as Maulana Abdul Jabbar, Ameer of Narayanganj Metropolitan Jamaat; Saiful Alam Khan Milon, a central executive member; Professor Mokbul Hossain, the district assistant secretary; Maulana Jahangir Alam, the district assistant secretary; Tawhidul Islam, the district Chhatra Shibir president; and Ruhul Amin, the city Chhatra Shibir president.

At the end of the event, Dr. Rahman distributed 200,000 taka to each of the 19 bereaved families, underscoring the party’s commitment to supporting those affected by their ongoing struggles.

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