United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Tuesday claimed its Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman didn’t direct his adviser on foreign affairs Dr Mahmudul Hasan to seek a ‘ministerial status’ in a recent letter sent to the Foreign Ministry. “He (Dr Hasan) was assigned to send a letter to the Foreign Ministry to clarify Jamaat-e-Islami’s position on the country’s foreign affairs. But he included some issues in the letter sent to the foreign ministry going beyond the Ameer’s directives. Particularly the part related to ‘ministerial status’ was not in the Jamaat Ameer’s instruction,” said he in a statement. As soon as the matter came to the party’s notice, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman took necessary steps, he said “Dr Mahmudul Hasan was formally relieved of his responsibilities on March 2 and immediately Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Arman) was appointed as the new foreign affair adviser to the Opposition Leader,” he said. The incident, which recently surfaced in the media, actually took place about two weeks ago and had created some confusion among the people, Parwar said in the statement issued on Tuesday to clarify the matter. The Jamaat leader said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami believes in responsible, transparent and accountable political conduct. “If any confusion or misunderstanding is created on any issue, we believe in promptly correcting it. Necessary measures have already been taken regarding the matter, so there is no further scope for misunderstanding,” Parwar said, urging all concerned to present accurate information properly. According to media reports, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman sent a letter to the Foreign Ministry on February 22 seeking an appointment for his foreign affairs adviser Prof Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan at the Foreign Ministry. The opposition leader reportedly requested Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to assign Hasan to the ministry with ministerial status.

Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure adequate fuel supply by urgently contacting international partners and friendly countries. In a Facebook post from his verified account, he said the suffering of people in different parts of the country, including the capital, in buying fuel is “very painful”. He mentioned that people have been waiting in queues stretching for kilometres and standing for hours to buy fuel, while many are fasting during Ramadan and some vehicles have already run out of fuel. Dr Shafiqur said the crisis is not only disrupting the travel of ordinary people but also affecting electricity generation and industrial activities. With the Eid journey approaching, he warned that the situation could make travel even more difficult for people if it is not resolved quickly. He said Jamaat had earlier urged the government to take initiatives to import fuel from alternative sources, but the situation is worsening day by day. “We once again request the government to take immediate initiatives and ensure fuel supply on an urgent basis by contacting international partners and friendly countries,” he said. He also urged people to remain patient during the crisis and avoid unnecessary use of fuel. “May Allah grant us the strength to overcome this crisis,” he added.  

Central Women’s Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nurunnisa Siddiqua on Sunday called for an overhaul of the justice system to stop abuse of women and demanded the formation of a speedy trial tribunal to tackle crimes against women and children. She made the remarks at a discussion meeting organized in Moghbazar, Dhaka, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The discussion was presided over by Central Working Committee Member and Social Welfare Divisional Secretary Khandokar Ayesha Khatun. Central Working Committee Member and Talimul Quran Divisional Secretary Irani Akhter delivered the opening speech, while Advocate Sabikunnahar Munni, Law and Human Resources Divisional Secretary, presented the keynote speech. Central Executive Committee member Umme Khaleda Jahan and teacher Fatima Akhter Happy spoke as special guests. Dr. Nazneen Akhter, Head of the Physiology Department at Holy Family Medical College Hospital, and former councillor Amena Begum gave welcome speeches. Nurunnisa Siddiqua also criticized some feminist organizations, saying that when Muslim women wearing burqas face violence, these groups do not protest but pursue the agenda of a certain class of women. She urged all women to raise their voices unitedly on women’s issues. Advocate Sabikunnahar Munni emphasized that implementing the July Charter is essential to ensure balanced women’s empowerment. She highlighted rising violence against women across all sectors, including education, and blamed the immoral environment for perpetuating such abuse. Khandokar Ayesha Khatun said that awareness among women from all walks of life is vital to protecting women’s rights. Women from different sectors of the capital, including the central working committee, participated in the discussion. The program featured a recitation by Kazi Tabassum and concluded with a prayer led by Central Working Committee member Rozina Akhter. The program was moderated by Marjan Hira.

Central Women’s Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nurunnisa Siddiqua has said that true empowerment of women can only be achieved when their safety and dignity are fully protected. In a statement on the occasion of International Women’s Day, she said the day is important to reaffirm commitment to upholding the dignity, rights and security of women. International Women’s Day, observed every year on March 8 worldwide, recognizes the tireless contributions of women to social, political and economic development. She mentioned that the theme of this year’s Women’s Day is: “Today’s steps, tomorrow’s justice: Protect the rights of women and girls.” She urged that the theme be implemented meaningfully in daily life, rather than being limited to formal observances. “Unfortunately, incidents of violence, torture and insecurity against women and girls in recent times have deeply concerned us,” she said. Nurunnisa Siddiqua emphasized that true empowerment is possible only when women feel safe both at home and in society. “Talking about empowerment without ensuring women’s safety is not in line with reality. Although women’s empowerment is widely discussed in world politics, the safe and supportive social environment required for it is largely lacking in Bangladesh,” she said. The Jamaat leader added that Islam grants women the highest status and respect, and that a just, humane and welfare-oriented society can only be built by ensuring the rights and dignity given by Allah and advancing women. She called on people at all levels of family, society and state to play a conscious and effective role in protecting women. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she urged everyone to work towards building a society where women can live safely, with dignity, and develop their talents fully to contribute to the nation.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged the government to ensure strict security across the country to prevent fuel smuggling amid the ongoing energy crisis. In a Facebook post, the Jamaat Ameer said the recent war situation has worsened the energy crisis in Bangladesh and warned that if the global situation remains unchanged in the coming days, it could have a negative impact on the country’s social and economic life. He said the government must explore alternative energy sources and urgently adopt practical measures to tackle the situation. Shafiqur Rahman also stressed the need for strict steps to ensure that no new syndicates emerge during this period. “Strict security must also be ensured so that no fuel is smuggled anywhere in the country at this time of crisis,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday demanded interrogation of two former advisers, alleging their involvement in “election engineering” during the 13th national parliamentary election. The demand was raised at a protest rally and procession organised by Jamaat’s Dhaka city unit in the capital. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar called for questioning former adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and former National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Khalilur Rahman over allegations of manipulating the election results. Parwar alleged that the 13th parliamentary election was manipulated at different stages, from vote counting to the announcement of results. He claimed that some people thought the public would not understand the “engineering” of the election, but later statements by some officials suggested otherwise. Referring to remarks by Rizwana Hasan, he said she admitted in the media that Jamaat-e-Islami was not allowed to become part of the political mainstream. Parwar also criticised the appointment of Khalilur Rahman as foreign minister by the BNP-led government, saying the move raised questions about neutrality. He said that in the past, advisers of caretaker or interim governments did not join the government after elections. He alleged that the election was influenced by the interim government and a “deep state,” and demanded a judicial inquiry and interrogation of them. Interim govt did not consult Jamaat on international agreements: Ameer-e-Jamaat After the rally, Jamaat leaders and activists brought out a procession from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The march passed through Paltan Mor and ended at Bijoynagar Mor.  

The interim government did not consult with his party on agreements signed with various countries during its tenure, Jamaat e Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Friday. “During the tenure of the interim government, several agreements were signed with different countries. Unfortunately, we were not consulted in any way regarding those agreements,” he wrote in a post on his verified Facebook page in the afternoon. He mentioned that Jamaat had repeatedly urged that, in the absence of a parliament, the interim government should make decisions on important matters, such as international agreements, through discussions with political parties — similar to how the government consulted political parties on other national issues. Jamaat leader signs condolence book at Iranian Embassy “However, the government of that time did not take our demands into consideration. So, our position on the matter is clear, and there is no room for creating any confusion here,” Dr Rahman said. Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman rejected claims that the reciprocal trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US was signed abruptly just days before the recently held national election. He said the matter had been discussed in advance with the leadership of the country’s two major political parties - taken to mean the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami- and both had agreed to its signing.

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher on Thursday said his party had filed specific complaints over voting in 53 constituencies in the national election held on February 12. Referring to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, he alleged that Dr Khalilur Rahman, who was then the National Security Adviser to the interim government, had planned in a special meeting in London to bring the BNP to power. As part of that plan, many believe he played a role in election engineering from within the interim government. Taher said Rahman later received a place in the BNP government’s cabinet as a reward for his role. He mentioned that if Rahman is brought to trial and questioned, the truth will come out. The Jamaat leader made the allegation while speaking at a press briefing held at the party’s central office at 12pm on the overall situation in the country. Referring to a recent statement by former adviser Rizwana Hasan, he said she had recently remarked in a television interview: “Those who could not ensure the proper rights of women, even if they were in the opposition, we did not allow them to come as the mainstream or main force.” Taher said this statement suggests that she herself has become a kind of royal witness by admitting that election engineering took place in the national election. He said Jamaat now wants to know from her, from the then interim government and from the current government why a party like Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was prevented from gaining a majority as the mainstream party through such engineering. He also asked who else was involved in the alleged process. Taher said their statements clearly indicate that the two former advisers were involved in election engineering and demanded that they be interrogated immediately and brought to justice. Regarding the nomination for the post of Deputy Speaker, Syed Abdullah Md Taher said the party would consider the matter if it receives a written proposal from the government and if the government’s position on implementing the July Charter becomes clear, in line with the constitution. Speaking about the deterioration of the law and order situation, Taher said several children had been raped and killed in recent days, which is very alarming. He also alleged that incidents of attacks and vandalism under the protection of ruling party leaders and activists have been reported in various media outlets across the country. He said it is worrying that in many cases police stations are even delaying the filing of cases instead of ensuring justice. Referring to the meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, Taher said they discussed bilateral relations as well as trade and commerce. He said Jamaat urged the US side to invest in the artificial intelligence sector. “We also told them regarding the Israel-Iran war that we do not want war, we want peace. All problems should be resolved through talks and diplomatic channels,” he said. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP, Central Executive Council Member Saiful Alam Khan Milon MP, Central Working Committee Member Zahidur Rahman, and Senior Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Shishir Md Monir, were also present.

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman will leave for Saudi Arabia early Wednesday to perform holy Umrah. Dr Rahman, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad, is scheduled to depart Dhaka at 3am, the party said in a statement on Tuesday night. He is expected to return to Dhaka on the morning of March 6, read the statement.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party will extend full support to all reasonable initiatives taken by the government by playing a constructive and responsible role in Parliament. The Jamaat Ameer made the remarks while addressing an iftar mahfil at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also spoke at the iftar programme, which was hosted by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for different political leaders and noted personalities. Tarique Rahman and Shafiqur Rahman were seen sitting at the same table during iftar alongside other BNP and Jamaat leaders. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami does not wish to function as a traditional opposition party in Parliament but is keen to play a meaningful and constructive role there. “We do not want to act as a conventional opposition in Parliament. We want this House to become meaningful and a centre of hope for the people. Just as the ruling party should play a responsible role, we also want to play a responsible and constructive role from the opposition benches,” he said. Referring to past parliamentary practices, he alleged that the nation witnessed a ‘dummy opposition’ in Parliament, formed through elections held between candidates and ‘dummy candidates’. “As elections were staged between candidates and dummy candidates in the past, both the government and the opposition were also symbolic. Such an opposition cannot bring positive outcomes for any country,” he mentioned. He said Jamaat would first draw the government’s attention to any irrational decision or step and offer recommendations. “If the government accepts our suggestions, we will be grateful, and the nation will benefit. But if our suggestions are not accepted, we will perform the role expected of an opposition party.” Expressing hope for the role of Parliament, the Jamaat chief said the government should turn it into a vehicle for moving the country forward. “A vehicle cannot run on one wheel alone. If the ruling party is the front wheel, the opposition will be the rear wheel. Without either of them, the vehicle cannot move,” he said. Shafiqur Rahman also expressed optimism that ruling party and opposition lawmakers would work collectively to remove what he described as ‘black laws’ still existing in the Constitution and enact necessary laws to establish Bangladesh as a developed and dignified nation. He hoped that constructive political practices could free the nation from what he termed the long-standing culture of disappointing politics. “If we can do it, then I hope this nation will be freed from the clutches of the disappointing politics of the past that have held it back until now.” PM Tarique Rahman urges parties to vow to change people’s fate Recalling former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s stance following the death sentence of Jamaat leader Maulana Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, he said Jamaat would remember her role in protesting the killings of demonstrators at that time. “We remain grateful to the then opposition leader,” the Jamaat chief said, noting that Khaleda Zia returned from Singapore, cutting short her overseas visit, to protest the injustice and killings. She termed the killings as genocide and declared a countrywide strike at that time, Shafiqur Rahman said, adding, “We’ll remember her role in this regard forever.”