Staff Reporter :
Protesting the government’s banning of the organisation, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said the regime’s aim is to divert the people’s attentions to the different directions from the ongoing movement.
“The government has banned the party with Bagnladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir to cover up their (govts) misdeeds,” Dr Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said in a statement on Thursday.
The ban of Jamaat, Chhatra Shibir, and other associated organizations came through an executive order under Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Before the ban, the law ministry gave its legal opinion and forwarded the file to the home ministry.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman mentioned that Jamaat has a historical role in every democratic movement in Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami pioneered the caretaker government system to enfranchise the people.
Through the establishment of this caretaker government system, free, fair and acceptable elections have been held three times in a row in the country.
“Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has played a vital role by taking a strong stand against militancy, terrorism and extremism.
Six leaders of Jamaat lost their lives in bomb attacks by militants for taking a stand against militancy.
Terrorism and anarchism have no relation with Jamaat-e-Islami, the statement read.
Dr. Shafiq said, “The government has been oppressing the Jamaat for the past 16 years. Jamaat faced all situations with patience.
The constitution of Bangladesh gives all citizens the right to assemble and organize. The government has violated the constitution by banning ‘Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’ and ‘Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’.”
“We strongly condemn and protest this unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unjust decision of the government,” the statement said.
Shafiqur Rahman pointed out that the main work of Jamaat-e-Islami will never stop if the government bans the party.
Addressing the leaders and activists, he said, “I call upon all levels of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s manpower to face the situation with patience and tolerance.”
Jamaat Ameer also said in the statement, “Government can try to blame Jamaat by causing various misdeeds. All countrymen should be alert about this.”