Chief advisor. Addressing Muhammad Yunus, the former president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Mujahidul Islam Salim said that he cannot stay on the mattress without accepting the demands of the rickshaw puller.
He was speaking at a mass sit-in organized by the Rickshaw-Van-Ezybike Workers Union to demand withdrawal of the High Court's order banning battery-powered vehicles in front of the National Press Club on Sunday (November 24).
Addressing the chief adviser, Mujahidul Islam Salim said, “You must keep the news of the country.” Some people say that reforms will be done first and then elections will be held. Well, I don't want to discuss that. But I want to say, whether to reform or not is another matter. But whether the action taken against the rickshaw puller and their livelihood is decided in the court tomorrow or not, the government has to decide today. And if it is not, then I say, as they (the government) say, we will not hold elections without reforms, just like you cannot live on a mattress without accepting the demands of the rickshaw puller.'
He said, 'There was a mass uprising led by students in July and August. You have seen the mass uprising of the students, but not the mass uprising of the workers. They will ring 12 of all absorbers. Formed neighborhood committees, formed workers' organizations. Rickshaw drivers, garment workers and farm laborers—that is, those who earn their living—reach the news. His government, his government, his government, how many governments have I seen – Inshallah, there will be a government of poor people in the coming days.'
Salim said to the rickshaw pullers, 'You have heard the news of the High Court. I will say one thing only, don't try to show Bengal as High Court. If this is done, the entire Bangladesh will be on fire. You keep fighting. Legally we are fighting. By advancing this fight, inshallah, we will snatch our victory.'
Addressing the students, the former president of CPB said, 'I was the VP of Daksur. None of you will be rude to the rickshaw pullers. A rickshaw puller of your father's age is not to be talked down to. Hard work teaches people dignity. Honoring those who worked hard to build the country. Don't forget this uprising was not made by one man. This is a mass uprising of all students. There is the blood of the rickshaw puller, there is the blood of the garment worker. Establishing the rule of the middle class by talking about anti-discrimination will not eliminate inequality. We want to see proof that your words and deeds match. If any student does injustice to the rickshaw puller – just like we have deterred Hasina's gangsters, we will make every effort to deter them too.'
After finishing the rally in front of the press club, the battery operated rickshaw drivers left for Shaheed Minar.
