[🇧🇩] Political Activities of Jamaat-E-Islami

[Saif]

Publish white paper on all crimes since 1971

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has urged the interim government to publish a white paper on the killing, looting, and siphoning off money that happened since 1971.

www.thedailystar.net

Publish white paper on all crimes since 1971
Jamaat chief urges govt

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has urged the interim government to publish a white paper on the killing, looting, and siphoning off money that happened since 1971.

Only the interim government, which is free of political influence, can ensure the publication of such a document, he told a rally in Dinajpur yesterday.

Governments formed by political parties will not undertake such a task, he said.

"Over the last 53 years, numerous incidents occurred. The nation deserves to know the perpetrators and their victims."

Hundreds of people from different districts attended the rally organised by Jamaat.

Shafiqur said Jamaat had been the target of Awami League's attack for 15 years.

He then urged leaders and activists of his party to stay vigilant, calm, and disciplined.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity and refraining from acts that jeopardise the progress made through people's sacrifice during the July uprising.​

 

[Saif]

Not at the cost of Muktijuddho, no way

Neither Jamaat, nor its student wing has ever come clean regarding its role in 1971.

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Not at the cost of Muktijuddho, no way

ARTWORK: ZAINUL ABEDIN

The December 2024 edition of Chhatra Shibir's mouthpiece, the monthly Chhatra Sangbad (meaning student news) was themed after the mass uprising that loosely translates to "the bloody chapter of victory" (bijoy er roktakto oddhyay). One article in that magazine, discussing the downfall of tyrants through the ages (juge juge shoirachar o tader korun porinoti), states at one point, "Some Muslims participated in the Liberation War without fully comprehending the consequences. It was their failure and lack of foresight. May the Almighty forgive them."

Chhatra Shibir, which is the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, has expressed its regrets and withdrew the article and recalled the magazine. It is not available online or offline anymore. The fundamentalist students' organisation went on to say in a note of apology that the article had been published "inadvertently" and further that the views expressed in the article were the writer's own.

The explanation and apology might have been acceptable if it were any other organisation. But Shibir, and its parent organisation Jamaat, had violently and actively opposed the 1971 Liberation War. Shibir used to be called Islami Chhatra Sangha in 1971 and resurfaced in 1977 under this current name. Jamaat and its student wing are held responsible for a large number of atrocities committed by the notorious vigilante militia groups like Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams, which consisted of members and activists of Jamaat and its student wing.

Neither Jamaat, nor its student wing has ever come clean regarding its role in 1971. Still deeply revered within the party, several Jamaat leaders have been tried, convicted and executed for their crimes against humanity. But the party and its student wing have never come forward to apologise for their role or admit to the atrocities their predecessors had committed out of their supposed conviction for a united Pakistan. Instead, both the party and its student wing continue to attempt to justify and vindicate their roles during the Liberation War. And sometimes, they test the waters to see how far they can go in public. This recent publication was one such instance.

The implicit suggestion of Shibir's response to the widespread criticism of the article is that the editorial board of the magazine had not vetted each article carefully before they were approved. This is not at all expected from an outfit as disciplined as Shibir. The insincere apology, because it does not own up to its misdeed (which is befitting its historical trend), only came about once the lines went viral on social media and Jamaat's student cadres realised they were fast losing support among the public. Almost as if they were dangling their feet to test the waters and pulled out sensing that the time was not yet ripe.

Just like in 1971, the article in question conflates religion with the inspiration for freedom. In fact, the writer is apologetic for even having waged war and begs forgiveness of the Almighty.

It is also important to take note of other omens. Take the Constitution Reform Commission's proposal for instance. It proposes the following two paragraphs in the preamble, "We, the people of Bangladesh have, in a historically persistent struggle for the emancipation of the masses of this land, achieved independence through a people's war (jonojuddho) and built a united resistance against autocratic and fascist rule;"

"We pledge, most respectfully remembering the supreme sacrifice of all martyrs, that the great ideals of equality, human dignity, and social justice that united the people of Bangladesh in the War of Independence in 1971 and the ideals of democracy and equity that united them against the fascist rule in 2024 shall be established in the state and society;"

The existing preamble had enshrined the Liberation War as a sacrosanct basis of the new republic born on March 26. The first graph reads, "We, the people of Bangladesh, having proclaimed our independence on the 26th day of March, 1971 and through a historic struggle for national liberation, established the independent, sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh."

The proposed draft states "jonojuddho" (people's war) which is not the same as Liberation War or muktijuddho. The language recognises the mass uprising of 2024 and the war of independence of 1971 in the same breath! One was a full-blown war which gave birth to a new country. The other was a people's uprising of a kind that Bangladesh had not seen before and must be given their due credit. But certainly not by belittling the Liberation War; And yet, there has been very little criticism amid the post uprising dispensation where Jamaat and Shibir, having usurped significant sway, appear to influence much of the narrative post August 5.

The Liberation War is a unique event in Bangladesh's history. It will never happen again. Attempts to equate it with any other movements or campaigns reflect either a lack of wisdom or a deliberate effort to distort history. Unlike any political movement, the Liberation War was a struggle for existence, identity, and sovereignty. It was a full-scale war against a well-trained military machine. It was a national resistance against systematic genocide, oppression—in which Jamaat and its student collaborated with the perpetrators. Comparing it to any democratic movement insults its glory and undermines the sacrifices of millions who fought and perished for an independent Bangladesh.

Mass uprisings and popular campaigns, however significant, cannot be placed on the same pedestal as the Liberation War. Democratic struggles implicitly predicate the existence of an established nation-state. The 1971 War was about the very birth of that state. Any comparison trivialises that War and plays into the hands of those who seek to rewrite (read distort) history and change the narrative for their gain.

We have heard many more such phrases that liken 2024 with 1971 in the last several months. This new Bangladesh had to be rebuilt from scratch, everyone said. Proclamation of revolution was mentioned in the beginning. The Mujibist constitution had to be done away with and in a bid to rid it of Mujibism, the proposed draft of the constitution now trivialises the 1971 War.

The rhetoric of a new beginning in the post August 5 dispensation often carried an unspoken suggestion, a fleeting allusion that it is all "as opposed to 1971." There is almost an instinctive feeling that there is an ever so subtle attempt to not just rewrite history, but delete it. A second liberation it can very well be, but that does not make it equal to the first one, when the country was born.

Attempts to equate the Liberation War with other political movements, or belittle it, can no longer be shrugged off as adolescent aberration or dismissed as youthful ignorance.They are not.

Tanim Ahmed is digital editor at The Daily Star.

Md Abbas is a journalist at The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

Reforms first, free and fair election later: Jamaat

Necessary reforms to the country’s overall structure must be carried out first, followed by a free and fair election, said the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami....

www.newagebd.net

Reforms first, free and fair election later: Jamaat
United News of Bangladesh . Narsingdi 14 February, 2025, 22:29

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman addresses a rally organised by Narsingdi district unit of Jamaat at Satirpara Kali Kumar Institution School and College on Friday. | UNB photo

Necessary reforms to the country’s overall structure must be carried out first, followed by a free and fair election, said the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

The party ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a public rally organised by Narsingdi district Jamaat at the grounds of Satirpara Kali Kumar Institution School and College on Friday.

‘There will definitely be an election in this country, but it cannot be held in any haphazard manner. We want a proper election, a fair election. But before the election, the voter list must be revised. Fake voters must be removed, deceased voters’ names must be excluded, and all eligible individuals must be included,’ he said.

Shafiqur Rahman said, ‘You have noticed that from the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to district, upazila, and union-level offices, all have been locked down. Jamaat is the only party whose registration has been revoked. It is unfortunate that fascism has seemingly stepped back, yet we have not regained our registration. We are still continuing the legal battle to reclaim it.’

He further said, ‘Many leaders arrested in false cases have been released one by one. However, it is regrettable that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s then Acting Secretary ATM Azharul Islam is still in prison. The public demands his immediate release.’

The Jamaat Ameer also said, ‘Every perpetrator of genocide must be apprehended and handed over to a tribunal, whether they are at home or abroad.’

Shafiqur Rahman stated, ‘This is the month of the Language Movement. We remember with deep respect those who gave their lives this month. May Allah accept them as martyrs.’

The public rally was presided over by Narsingdi district Jamaat Ameer Prof. Md. Moslehuddin. Special guests at the event included Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Council member Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Working Committee members AFM Abdus Sattar, Abdul Jabbar, Maulana Abdul Mannan, and Advocate Mashiul Alam.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat seeks national polls after consensus on reforms

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today called for a national election once political parties reach a consensus on necessary reforms.

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Jamaat seeks national polls after consensus on reforms

Photo: Collected/UNB

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today called for a national election once political parties reach a consensus on necessary reforms.

Following a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher outlined the party's stance.

When asked whether they had proposed specific plans for the election during the meeting, Taher said, "We stated that once all parties reach a consensus on the necessary reforms, the election should be held as soon as possible. The chief adviser mentioned that the national election will take place in December. We are monitoring how the process unfolds."

He added that discussions had already been held with political parties and stakeholders regarding the interim government's role, and separate talks would follow to implement the reforms.

"After reviewing the reform proposals, further discussions will be held between Jamaat-e-Islami and the government, where we will communicate our key decisions," he said.

Jamaat General Secretary Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad also attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

UN report exposes genocide under Hasina: Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the UN investigation report has made it clear to the world that genocide and human rights violations were committed in the country on the orders of the murderer Sheikh Hasina. In a statement on Saturday, the Jamaat leader sai

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

UN report exposes genocide under Hasina: Jamaat Ameer
UNB
Published :
Feb 15, 2025 21:59
Updated :
Feb 15, 2025 21:59

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the UN investigation report has made it clear to the world that genocide and human rights violations were committed in the country on the orders of the murderer Sheikh Hasina.

In a statement on Saturday, the Jamaat leader said the inhuman and brutal genocide carried out by the fascist Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh from July 1 to August 5 last year to remain in power has been acknowledged in the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report.

He mentioned that the report has exposed the identities of the murderers and the masterminds behind the killings to the world.

"Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami welcomes and congratulates the OHCHR for revealing the 'truth' through this report," he added.

In the statement, he further mentioned that this UN report will serve as a document of genocide. He emphasised that the interim government must ensure that all perpetrators of genocide and those involved are brought to justice.

He said the people believe that the Awami League, as a criminal party responsible for genocide, has no right to engage in politics in the country.

"In line with this public demand, we believe the interim government should consider the call for banning the Awami League," he said.​

 

[Saif]

‘Release Azharul, restore party registration’

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday warned that the government would be forced to accept their demands, including the release of former assistant secretary general ATM Azharul Islam, through an unstoppable movement.

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‘Release Azharul, restore party registration’
Demands Jamaat ameer

Photo: Collected

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday warned that the government would be forced to accept their demands, including the release of former assistant secretary general ATM Azharul Islam, through an unstoppable movement.

Azharul has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

Shafiqur made these remarks at a rally organised by Jamaat's Dhaka north and south units at Paltan. The rally was part of a centrally declared programme demanding the release of Azharul, reinstatement of the party's electoral symbol "scale", and restoration of the party's registration.

Shafiqur said from 2009 to August 5, 2024, the Awami fascists ruled the country through misrule and tyranny, specifically targeting Jamaat by arresting and imprisoning its top leaders.

"During this crisis, Azharul was serving as the party's acting secretary general. Awami League unjustly kept him in prison for 13 years under false, baseless, and politically motivated charges," he claimed.

He questioned the interim government, asking, "Even though the country has been freed from fascism, why has Azharul Islam not been released?" He demanded a clear timeline for his release. "We are dealing with the situation with extreme patience, but everything has a limit."

Protest rallies were held in 79 metropolitan and district units of Jamaat yesterday.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat to stage mass sit-in demanding release of ATM Azharul

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a “mass” sit-in demanding the release of ATM Azharul Islam, who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. The programme is set to take place on Feb 25 from 2pm to 4pm outside the Chief Advisor’s Office in

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat to stage mass sit-in demanding release of ATM Azharul
bdnews24.com
Published :
Feb 22, 2025 00:23
Updated :
Feb 22, 2025 00:23

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a “mass” sit-in demanding the release of ATM Azharul Islam, who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

The programme is set to take place on Feb 25 from 2pm to 4pm outside the Chief Advisor’s Office in Dhaka.

In a statement, the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said: “Our party chief Shafiqur Rahman will be the chief guest at the programme.

“We call upon the people of Bangladesh to participate spontaneously in this programme to ensure the release of ATM Azharul Islam.”

He continued, “Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Azharul has been in prison for over 13 years due to false and fabricated cases by the then fascist government.

“Following the fall of the fascist regime, many leaders and activists of anti-fascist political parties have been released.

“The people of the country had hoped that ATM Azharul, who has suffered extreme oppression and persecution, would also be freed in a Bangladesh free from autocracy.

“However, even after nearly six and a half months of the interim government assuming power, he has not been released. This has left the nation shocked.”

The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Azharul to death on Dec 30, 2014, in a case of crimes against humanity in 1971.

Then, the Appellate Division upheld the death sentence in its verdict on Oct 31, 2019.

According to the tribunal’s verdict, Azharul was the district president of Islami Chhatra Sangha in 1971. Under his leadership, more than 1,400 people were killed in mass killings in Greater Rangpur, and numerous women were raped, abducted, and subjected to torture.

Azharul filed a plea with the Appellate Division on Jul 19, 2020, seeking a review of the verdict, which had been pending for a long time.

After the political change, senior lawyer Abdur Razzaq presented the review petition to the court on Jan 9, assisted by lawyers Mohammad Shishir Manir, Ehsan Abdullah Siddiq, and Najib Momen.

The Appellate Division initially scheduled the hearing for Jan 23.

Later, on that date, the four-judge bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed rescheduled it for Feb 20.

However, the hearing did not take place and a new date has now been set for Feb 27.​

 

[Saif]

Local elections first, national polls after reforms: Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that the local government elections must be held promptly to ensure public access to services. He made the remark as the chief guest at a street rally organized by Chandpur district Jamaat on West Bazar Road in the district’s Haji

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Local elections first, national polls after reforms: Jamaat Ameer
UNB
Published :
Feb 22, 2025 21:07
Updated :
Feb 22, 2025 21:07

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that the local government elections must be held promptly to ensure public access to services.

He made the remark as the chief guest at a street rally organized by Chandpur district Jamaat on West Bazar Road in the district’s Hajiganj on Saturday afternoon.

The Jamaat Ameer said, “We want a national election only after ensuring political and administrative reforms in the country. Elections should be held under the proportional representation system so that no vote is wasted and every vote carries value.”

Dr. Shafiqur further said, “Those who extort money from vehicles are taking it from the pockets of 18 crore people, even from beggars. This extortion must stop.”

The rally was presided over by Advocate Masudul Islam Bulbul, a central Majlis-e-Shura member and Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, while Advocate Shahjahan Mia, the district Jamaat secretary, conducted the event.

Among the special guests were Jamaat-e-Islami Central Assistant Secretary ATM Masud, Central Executive Committee member Mobarak Hossain, and Dhaka South Assistant Secretary Kamal Uddin, among others.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Sadar Upazila Ameer Maulana Afsar Uddin Miyaji.

Thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters attended the rally.​