Jamaat chief vows voluntary arrest to free Azharul Islam
Staff Reporter :
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has declared his intention to voluntarily surrender to the authorities on February 25, demanding the release of the party’s imprisoned leader ATM Azharul Islam. Azharul, who was convicted of crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War, remains behind bars despite repeated demands from Jamaat for his release.
Shafiqur Rahman made the announcement on Thursday at 5:00 PM through a post on his verified Facebook page. In his statement, he described Azharul as an “oppressed people’s leader” who has been subjected to what he called “the brutal repression of fascism.”
“While all other national leaders have been released one by one, he continues to suffer under an unjust and discriminatory system, bearing the heavy burden of imprisonment. It is no longer possible for me to remain outside while he remains behind bars. We have given the government enough time,” he wrote.
Shafiqur further stated that as a form of protest against what he termed as injustice, he would appear at the court premises on February 25 to facilitate his own arrest. “The Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home Affairs should take the necessary steps to arrest and send me to prison. I will be present at the designated place on time, Insha’Allah,” he added.
Comes Amid Jamaat’s Protest Movement
His declaration follows a series of nationwide protests organized by Jamaat-e-Islami, demanding Azharul’s unconditional release. On February 18, the party held a rally in Paltan, where Shafiqur had warned of continued demonstrations if Azharul was not freed.
“Even though the fascist Awami League regime has fallen, ATM Azharul Islam remains imprisoned. Therefore, we make it clear that if he is not released immediately without conditions, our protests, rallies, and movement will not stop,” he stated during the rally.
He also demanded a clear timeframe for Azharul’s release and called for government cooperation on the matter.
Jamaat-e-Islami has been vocal in opposing the war crimes convictions of its leaders, frequently denouncing the trials as politically motivated. However, the convictions were upheld by the International Crimes Tribunal and later affirmed by the Supreme Court, leading to the execution and imprisonment of several top Jamaat leaders.
As February 25 approaches, Shafiqur Rahman’s announcement is expected to intensify political tensions, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.