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Published : 06 Aug 2024, 11:17 PM
Jamaat-e-Islami has reopened its central office in Boro Moghbazar after 13 years in the wake of the fall of the Awami League government that banned the party in the last hours of its rule.
Jamaat's chief Shafiqur Rahman, along with other leaders, entered the office and held a meeting with central committee members on Monday morning.
This was followed by the first press conference held at the office after the reopening.
Shafiqur said, "We left this office on the 19th of September, 2011. Today, we have returned."
"Today, Maulana Mominul Haque and other leaders from Hifazat-e Islam came to visit our office. What is the current condition of this place? Did they see the vandalism?"
When asked whether the reopening signifies the start of political activities, he said: “We were not cornered. We claim that our rights were taken away and have not been restored.”
“We were with you, standing by your side.”
While the press conference was taking place, over a hundred leaders and activists were gathered outside the office.
The central office, located at 505 Elephant Road near the Boro Moghbazar Railgate, has been shut down following the arrest of the party’s former chief Motiur Rahman Nizami, and former secretary-general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid on war crimes charges.
The office's nameplate remains beside the red gate.
Inside, the rooms were covered in dust, with furniture and other stuff in disarray.
Cleaning has yet to begin, though the briefing room on the second floor has been tidied up for a press conference.
RESIST THE WRONGDOERS
Jamaat’s chief said, "At the dawn of such a change, some opportunistic criminals have attacked government buildings, opponents' homes, and in certain areas, religious institutions of various faiths across cities and rural areas in Bangladesh.”
“There has been vandalism, looting, and arson in some places."
He continued, "Such acts cannot be performed by those with a sense of conscience and humanity. Our organisation has repeatedly condemned these actions, and we are doing so again today.”
“We have called upon the people across the country and also our beloved organisation’s leaders and activists to act as watchmen wherever there is a threat to people's safety.”
“Here, all citizens have equal rights; no one is a minority, and no one is a majority. Everyone is valuable in our nation."
Shafiqur said, "Today we will call upon the nation to take a firm stand against any such criminal activities they observe, and to suppress them with an iron hand. We promise that we are prepared to offer full cooperation to the existing administration in this matter."
"We have already instructed responsible leaders across the country to communicate with key officials and convey our intentions and commitments to the public.”
“However, in a country of 56,000 square miles, it is not possible for just one or two organisations to prevent such criminal activities alone. We still hope for the enthusiastic participation of the entire population in this effort," he added.
He concluded, "Those responsible for these destructive acts must be brought to justice. Allowing them to escape accountability will only encourage further crime.
“Therefore, strict enforcement of the law is necessary to ensure lasting peace."
REMITTANCES AND NATIONAL RECOVERY
Shafiqur said, "This country is ours. Due to the recent unrest and people's suffering, many of our brothers abroad have stopped sending remittances, and some have even campaigned against it.”
“We have not made any statements about this because the country belongs to all of us. If the country ceases to exist, how will we survive?"
He continued, "Therefore, I urge our expatriate brothers and local businesspeople to join hands in lifting the country from its current state of devastation.”
“Let us all extend a helping hand and fulfil our duties as responsible citizens."
Regarding the victims of the quota movement, the party chief referred to them as 'martyrs' and prayed for their souls.
He congratulated the nation and students on the victory over what he described as a fascist government.
URGENT CALL FOR INTERIM GOVERNMENT
Jamaat’s chief said, "I urge the president to take immediate action by dissolving the current parliament and forming an interim government to restore a government that truly represents the people."
"We call for the interim government to ensure that within the shortest possible time, a meaningful national election is held to establish a genuine government of the people."
In response to a question, he said: "The outline for the interim government has already been prepared. While legally restricted, laws exist for the people. Amendments to laws have been made in the past as needed, and they will be revised again if necessary.”
“We are working on the composition of the interim government. It might take a day or two. But if it can be done within 24 hours, we will do so."
He said Muhammad Yunus has been announced as the chief advisor. "The students are right to do so because this movement is the result of their efforts.”
“Students, who have played a crucial role in this movement, deserve respect and deep admiration. Their sacrifices are commendable, and they have the right to voice their opinions on the interim government’s leadership.”
“However, it is not their responsibility to reach a consensus with us before making such statements.”
“We have only requested the president to listen to their voices, and he has promised to do so."
"There are many political parties and civil society stakeholders. The president has indicated that he will listen to them as well," he added.
JAMAAT’S REGISTRATION AND LEGAL STATUS
Shafiqur said, "The issue of registration is a matter for the court. When there was a deadlock in the country, our late senior lawyer AJ Mohammad Ali had requested a hearing at the Appellate Division. The court did not grant the request, which led to a default judgment.”
“This is within the legal scope. This is not our primary concern. Our main focus is on how to lead the nation towards a healthy environment."
"Regarding the question of being declared illegal, it is already a matter decided by the government. I won't comment further," he added.
MEETING WITH KHALEDA ZIA
Shafiqur said, “She is unwell. On humanitarian grounds, I met her last night.”
“She asked me to convey her regards wherever I go. I am passing on her regards to you all,” he added.
