Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, opposition leader and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said fascism and its accomplices fled the country on August 5, 2024, but their dark shadow remains and must be driven out through culture.
He made the remarks as chief guest at the 'July Cultural Festival 2026' organized by the national literary and cultural organization Deshiya Sanskritik Sangsad on August 6 at the Engineers' Institution auditorium in Ramna, Dhaka.
He described the July 2024 mass uprising as a historic milestone for Bangladesh's democratic aspirations, cultural consciousness, and national dignity.
He said the nation must be built together, that those who seek to divide the nation are its enemies, and that differences of opinion and ideology are acceptable.
He stated that the fascism and hegemony of 2024 have temporarily left the country, and that if the nation remains united, they will be permanently bid farewell.
The festival featured cultural performances including tilawat, recitation, jari, music, qawwali, gambhira, and acting, along with a special play 'Raktakta July' depicting the July movement's sacrifice, struggle, and mass awakening.
Special guests included Jamaat-e-Islami's Naib-e-Amir A.N.M. Shamsul Islam and Assistant Secretary-General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, with Advocate Motiur Rahman Akanda presiding.
Attendees included leaders of cultural organizations and the mother of July martyr Abdullah Tahir.