Shut up: Dr Kamal Hossain to reporters

Dr Kamal Hossain was visibly angry when he was asked about his position on the Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party that openly opposed Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom from Pakistan.

Kamal, 81, drove to Mirpur on Friday morning to pay tribute to the martyred intellectuals of 1971 and faced a barrage of questions from the media.

“We are going to liberate the country from those who are working against the dream of liberation -- from lust and greed,” Kamal told reporters on the scene. “They will be defeated by the people of the country, even if they are strong.”

Reporters then drew his attention to the Jamaat-e-Islami that found its way into the election, blessed by the Kamal-led alliance, Jatiya Oikya Front.

Kamal said he would not say anything about the issue at the Shaheed Minar, a memorial to the intellectuals.

The reporters did not relent. One of them asked why Jamaat-e-Islami that lost its registration is competing in the election in association with the Jatiya Oikya Front, a new opposition alliance he leads.

Dr Kamal then flew into rage and was shaking with anger. “The question doesn’t arise at all. You’re arguing with useless talk. How much have you been paid to ask such questions? Who paid you?” said Kamal.

Two of the leaders, beside him, tried to calm down Kamal. But another journalist went on to ask more questions.

Kamal then blurted out: “Think of the martyrs. Think of the martyrs. Just keep your mouth shut, shut up!”