To commemorate the historic July-August mass uprising and mark the anniversary of what the Jamaat-e-Islami refers to as the “Second Independence,” a colorful mass rally and street meeting were held in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar.
The rally, organized by Jamaat-e-Islami, began at 4 PM on Friday (August 1) from Anwarul Ulum Madrasa and paraded through the main streets of Pekua before concluding at the western side of the Alhaj Kabir Ahmad Chowdhury Bazar, where a street meeting took place.
Addressing the gathering as the chief speaker, Abdullah Al Faruq—Jamaat’s nominated candidate for the Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) parliamentary seat and Ameer of Cox’s Bazar town Jamaat—said, the July uprising was a united protest by the masses against fascist rule.
Even after 54 years of independence, true justice and equality remain elusive. Bangladesh continues to be perceived as a hopeless situation due to the corruption and incompetence of the ruling class.
He further emphasized, “The people’s liberation is only possible through the establishment of honest leadership and an Islamic values-based state system. This demands national unity and the realization of the ideals of July.”
The event was attended by Jamaat’s district organizing secretary Hedayet Ullah as chief guest. The street meeting was presided over by Pekua upazila Jamaat Ameer Mawlana Imtiaz Uddin, and moderated by upazila secretary Nurul Kabir.
Other notable participants included upazila Naeb-e-Ameer J.M. Shahab Uddin, assistant secretary Prof. Nuruzzaman Monju, Didarul Islam, Pekua Sadar union Ameer Mawlana Ruhul Amin, upazila labor welfare federation secretary Hasan Sharif Chowdhury, and leaders of the student wing Shibir.
Speakers called on people to unite against political repression and systemic inequality, urging the establishment of a justice-based state free from corruption and nepotism.
The program concluded with a special prayer led by A.H.M. Badiul Alam, chairman of Barbakia Union Parishad, seeking peace in the country, protection of people’s rights, and the success of the Islamic movement.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
