Jamaat claims evidence of ‘intrigue’ by some advisers
Staff Reporter:
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, has alleged that certain advisers to the interim government are involved in “conspiracies” and claimed to possess both their names and recorded voices as evidence.
Speaking at a human chain event at the Matsya Bhaban intersection in Dhaka around noon on Tuesday, Taher said he was aware of what these advisers say during meetings and warned that everything would be made public if corrective measures were not taken.
“I want to draw the government’s attention today. I am not issuing a warning, only drawing attention,” Taher said.
“Given the current state of the administration and the conspiracies under way, I urge the government to stop them immediately. Appoint honest and neutral individuals to key positions. We have the names and voice recordings of those advisers involved in these conspiracies. We also know what they say in meetings. For now, we are not revealing them publicly, but if they do not change course, we will expose them before the people.”
Taher, without naming any political party, alleged that efforts were being made to install loyalists of a particular group in important positions across the civil and police administration as part of a blueprint to manipulate the upcoming national election. “We do not see any sign of a fair election under such circumstances,” he said.
The Jamaat leader further claimed that a “major conspiracy” was unfolding to politicize the civil and police administration ahead of the polls. “The government must remain neutral for the election to be free and fair. But we see that an attempt is being made again to bring the administration under political control,” he added.
Referring to a recent appointment in the public administration, Taher alleged that a controversial individual had been made secretary despite assurances from government advisers that the post would go to a neutral and honest person. “Just a day after we were assured, the government appointed someone whose past is tainted with corruption and who has a long record of loyalty to a particular political party,” he said.
Tuesday’s human chain, organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, was part of a nationwide demonstration demanding the inclusion of the “July Charter” in the proportional representation (PR) system and the holding of a referendum on it. The programme ran from Jatrabari to Gabtoli between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., with brief rallies held at several points, including Matsya Bhaban.
Meanwhile, in a separate human chain in Dhaka, Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Qader reiterated the demand for the July Charter to be approved through a national referendum before the announcement of the election schedule. He also called for the recruitment of religious teachers in primary schools and the trial of “fascist forces and their collaborators.”
Qader made the remarks while addressing a rally organized by Khelafat Majlish’s Dhaka city unit, which pressed for six demands including legal recognition and implementation of the July Charter, visible action against “fascist collaborators,” and the appointment of religious instructors in schools. The event was presided over by the party’s Dhaka North President, Saifuddin Ahmad Khondoker.