Akhtar’s arrest ‘revenge for leaving BNP’
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has claimed that retired Major Akhtaruzzaman was arrested not over an altercation at the airport, but out of resentment over his decision to leave the BNP and join Jamaat.
He alleged that the BNP “could not tolerate” Akhtaruzzaman’s change in political affiliation.
Porwar made the remarks as chief guest at a rally at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. Dhaka City Jamaat organised the programme ahead of a protest march, demanding the release of Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman, a freedom fighter.
Porwar said 34 Jamaat members of parliament and party leaders, returning from abroad, had waited several hours at the airport but did not receive their Zamzam water or luggage.
He said seeking an explanation from the authorities over the matter was a civic right and claimed Akhtaruzzaman had merely exercised that right.
He said a case was filed over the incident and Akhtaruzzaman was subsequently arrested. Porwar rejected allegations in the case statement that Akhtaruzzaman had physically assaulted or harassed anyone, describing the allegations as untrue.
He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the case, cancellation of the remand order and Akhtaruzzaman’s release.
Porwar also criticised the BNP government and alleged that public anger over its conduct was growing. He accused Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of echoing remarks by BNP ministers and lawmakers against Jamaat and Shibir.
Referring to past political alliances, Porwar said Jamaat-Shibir activists had participated in protest programmes organised by alliances led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia. He questioned the BNP’s current position towards Jamaat and alleged that it was following the political path of Sheikh Hasina.
He also criticised BNP lawmakers who have called for a ban on Jamaat-Shibir, saying their remarks resembled those of Sheikh Hasina. He alleged that the BNP and Awami League differed in name but shared similar political characteristics.
Addressing Jamaat’s position during the 1971 Liberation War, Porwar said people involved in Jamaat politics at the time had supported a united Pakistan. He, however, denied Jamaat’s involvement in genocide or criminal activities and said the party’s role in 1971 should be judged by the people.
Referring to remarks by the Leader of the Opposition about cooperating with the government on issues of public interest, Porwar said cooperation could not be one-sided.
He said Jamaat would not cooperate with anyone who, in his words, divides the nation by creating a narrative around 1971 or follows the path of Sheikh Hasina.
Porwar also called on the BNP to jointly resist what he described as fascism and a conspiracy to facilitate Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh in December.
Dhaka North City Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, who presided over the rally, said Akhtaruzzaman had been arrested over alleged mismanagement at the airport. He also demanded the withdrawal of the case and Akhtaruzzaman’s release.
The rally was moderated by Dhaka North City Jamaat Secretary Rezaul Karim. Dhaka South City Secretary Shafiqul Islam Masud, Assistant Secretary Kamal Hossain, Dhaka North Assistant Secretary Yasin Arafat and DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem also addressed the programme.
After the rally, protesters marched from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram. The procession passed through Purana Paltan intersection, the National Press Club and the High Court intersection before ending at the Matshya Bhaban area.
