Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has said people did not shed blood during the July Uprising for looters and extortionists, stressing that they would never accept looting, extortion or injustice.
"Everyone will have to account for their crimes in the future. Those who oppress people, deprive them of their rights or wrongfully take what belongs to others will have to face accountability," he said.
Shafiqur made the remarks today (20 October) as the chief guest at the 2026 conference of former associates and members of the student Islamic movement, organised by Jamaat-e-Islami's Chattogram city unit at GEC Convention Centre.
He said the responsibility of serving the Islamic movement must be carried out throughout one's life.
"Over the past 17 years, we have faced oppression and persecution in various forms. 12 senior leaders were killed after being subjected to some of the worst accusations of the century. Yet they remained steadfast in their faith in Allah and dreamed of building a beautiful Bangladesh," he said.
He added that Jamaat-e-Islami had earned people's trust and that this confidence had not developed overnight.
Shafiqur said many men and women had sacrificed their lives during the fascist regime, while many others had been left disabled.
Urging people to learn from past incidents, he referred to reports that a former judge had been arrested near the border while fleeing, lying on banana leaves.
He said everyone should remain mindful of the consequences of oppressing people, violating their rights and depriving them of what rightfully belonged to them, adding that no one would escape accountability for wrongdoing.
Nurul Islam Saddam, central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, said Chattogram had played a prominent role among several districts during the July Uprising.
Expressing admiration for the turnout at the conference, he said, "Chattogram has shown a remarkable turnout at this conference. Our Islamic movement is driven not by worldly interests or personal gain but by ideological conviction and the pursuit of Allah's pleasure."
He called on everyone to work together to build a better society based on Islamic values for the welfare of the country and its people.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Muhammad Shahjahan said people were seeking ideological change, without which the country's genuine welfare could not be ensured.
He said the last parliamentary election had reflected some of their expectations and called on everyone to help create an environment for governing the country based on justice, integrity and public welfare.
MP Shahjahan Chowdhury said former associates and members must play a leading role in spreading Islamic values across Chattogram.
He added that their experience, competence and organisational skills should be used to promote Islamic values and take effective initiatives for public welfare.
Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) General Secretary SM Farhad expressed hope that Bangladesh would one day become a state founded on justice and public welfare, saying he wished to witness that transformation.
He said Chhatra Shibir was prepared to continue its struggle against injustice and oppression, urging young people to play a responsible role in building a country based on justice, equality and public welfare.
Presiding over the conference, Chattogram city Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Nazrul Islam compared believers to the components of a building, saying that just as bricks, sand and cement were needed to construct a building, collective living was essential to strengthen an ideological organisation.
He said they would no longer remain former associates and members but would embrace a life of commitment, like the Ansar and Muhajir companions of Prophet Muhammad.
"As long as we breathe, we will remain steadfast in the Islamic movement and work for the welfare of the country and its people," he said.