'New Fascism' More Dangerous Than the Past, Says Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman warned on Friday that a new wave of "fascism" is emerging in the country following the denial of recent referendum results.

Speaking at the ‘District Amir Conference’ in Moghbazar, he claimed this current trend is more alarming than any seen previously in Bangladesh’s history.

Dr. Shafiqur criticized recent government ordinances regarding High Court judge appointments and Public Service Commission (PSC) alleging they serve only to expand partisan influence. He argued that politicized appointments in judiciary and civil administration have crippled state institutions, leading to the persecution of skilled officials and the rise of "OSD" (Officer on Special Duty) culture for honest employees.

He further highlighted and questioned the independence of the courts, citing interference with judges and the recent mass mourning of 28 judicial members.

Dr. Shafiqur alleged that even sports institutions like BCB have been politicized and marred by nepotism.

He noted that Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has become inactive while Human Rights Commission recently resigned in protest.

Addressing the energy situation Jamaat Ameer dismissed government claims that there is no fuel crisis. "If there is no crisis, why is the country facing six to ten hours of load shedding daily?" he asked. He described the government’s statements as contradictory and blamed rising fuel costs and widespread extortion for the skyrocketing prices of daily essentials.

The opposition leader urged the government to accept the results of the referendum and correct its course.

While promising to support positive initiatives for a "fascism-free" system, he declared that Jamaat-e-Islami would not accept any further attempts to impose authoritarian rule on the people.