I don’t like calling AL fascists frequently: Jamaat Amir

Bangladesh Jamaat-E-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that he does not like tagging the word “fascists” with ousted ruling party Awami League too often. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made this remark in London, England on Wednesday (13 November 2024) while exchanging views with the leaders of British Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI).

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further said “Why should we call Awami League leaders and activists fascists all the time? They are our brothers and sisters. They are like our family members. We should keep away from using negative terms again and again while addressing our political opponents. Now it is time to become united and to rebuild Bangladesh. I am not a fundamentalist Muslim.”

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 16-year tenure is repeatedly being termed a fascist regime.

In fact, it seems that no political speech or social media post is complete these days without the mention of "fascism" at least a few times.

Most recently in a recent interview with Financial Times, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus accused Awami League (AL) of exhibiting "all the characteristics of fascism," saying it has "no place" for now in the country's politics.

Later, Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy also hit back at Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as he posted on his Facebook, "Unelected, unconstitutional Yunus is sounding more like a fascist than anyone else in Bangladesh right now. You cannot ban the oldest and largest political party in Bangladesh, the party that led the independence."

"Fascism doesn't develop overnight. The previous government fell just three months ago, and fascism cannot take root in such a short time. Understanding fascism requires observing a long period. It's only after someone remains in power for an extended time that fascist characteristics start to emerge," he asserts.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman concluded by saying that if ousted Sheikh Hasina and her tyrannical government hadn't been in power continuously for the past 15 years, if there hadn't been three illegitimate elections, or if others had been allowed to compete in those elections, fascism would likely never have had a chance to arise.

>>Shamim Ahmed, London