Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman has warned that any attempt to “walk in hidden alleys” or engage in political conspiracies could trigger “another August 5” – a reference he used to describe what he called a popular uprising against “terrorism and fascism.”

Speaking as chief guest at a divisional rally of eight Islamist parties at Khulna’s Shibbari intersection on Monday afternoon, Dr Shafiqur said, “If anyone, out of frustration or anger, thinks of taking the backdoor route, then another August 5 will take place if necessary. The August 5 that drove out terrorism and fascism will do so again.”

The rally, presided over by Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir, Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Md Rezaul Karim, brought together senior leaders of several Islamist political platforms amid rising accusations of election-related maneuvering.

Addressing what he described as a web of conspiracies ahead of the polls, the Jamaat chief said:

“We hear many are weaving a net of conspiracy sitting in different places. But the day is over, the sun has set. This will not happen in Bangladesh. We will not allow it, Insha Allah.”

Shafiqur accused successive political actors of tarnishing Bangladesh’s global reputation through corruption, claiming the public now holds a detailed account of those responsible.

He said the “August 5 revolution” had risen against fascism, misrule, discrimination, and corruption – but alleged that a new class of opportunists emerged immediately afterward.

“People’s lives are now suffocated by extortion. Investors, industrialists, businessmen, small traders – none are at peace. Extortion has increased. People say they were not well before, now they are worse,” he added.

Senior leaders participating as special guests included Khilafat Majlis Senior Nayeb-e-Amir Maulana Sakhawat Hossain, Nezami Islam Party Secretary General Mufti Musa Bin Izhar, Khilafat Andolan Secretary General Maulana Yusuf Sadeq Haqqani, JAGPA spokesperson Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate Anwarul Islam Chan, Islami Andolan Bangladesh leaders Principal Maulana Abdul Awal and Principal Hafez Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, JAGPA General Secretary Professor Iqbal Hossain, and Khilafat Majlis Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Jahangir Hossain.