NN Online:
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. Saida Shinichi, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, at the party’s central office in Basabo, Dhaka, on Sunday morning.
Held in a cordial setting, the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest between Japan and Bangladesh. During the discussion, Dr. Rahman outlined Jamaat’s political stance, emphasizing the party’s commitment to democracy, freedom of speech, and religious rights.
He expressed concern over what he described as the collapse of the country’s electoral process under authoritarian rule, citing widespread irregularities and political repression in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections. Dr. Rahman also referenced a former Japanese envoy’s description of the 2018 election as a “midnight election.”
He further alleged that Jamaat leaders were wrongfully executed based on fabricated charges, and that the party has long faced systemic persecution, including imprisonment, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
Ambassador Shinichi thanked Dr. Rahman for the discussion and reiterated Japan’s support for free, fair, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh. He also expressed optimism about strengthening future Japan-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
Senior Jamaat leaders present at the meeting included ATM Azharul Islam, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, and other members of the central leadership.
