Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the forces of fascism and their allies fled the country on August 5, 2024, but their “black shadow” remains. Speaking on Thursday afternoon at the Engineers Institution auditorium in Ramna, Dhaka, he called for countering that influence through culture. He was the chief guest at the July Cultural Festival 2026, organised by Deshiya Sangskritik Sangsad.

Rahman described the July 2024 mass uprising as a historic milestone for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations, cultural consciousness and national dignity. He said the spirit of July must be sustained and that all people should work together to build the country. While acknowledging differences of opinion and ideology, he urged unity on national interests and said those seeking to divide the nation are enemies of the country.

Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer ANM Shamsul Islam and Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP attended as special guests. The programme featured Quran recitation, recitation, jari, music, qawwali, gambhira and acting. A special play, Raktakto July, portrayed the sacrifices, struggle and mass awakening of the July movement.