Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Urges Countrymen To Protect Places Of Worship

In the wake of Bangladesh’s recent political upheaval, Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer (party leader) of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, called on citizens to safeguard places of worship and prevent any further descent into chaos. Rahman stated that with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina having fled the country amid mass protests, an interim government would soon be established. He expressed concern that certain groups might exploit the situation to incite violence, particularly targeting religious sites and properties.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned by Sheikh Hasina government on August 1, 2024 was earlier part of many governments in the South Asian  country, however, in 2013 the party’s registration was cancelled by the Supreme Court and ruled that it is unfit for contesting elections. But, in an interesting twist, Jamaat-e-Islami is part of the deliberations happening in Dhaka in the post-Sheikh Hasina era government formations. Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin invited Jamaat leaders as well for the meeting that was held on Monday.

Rahman urged members of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with leaders and activists of various political parties, to remain vigilant. He emphasised the importance of protecting religious harmony and preventing attacks on people of different faiths. “I am calling upon the people of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the leaders and activists of various political parties, and the fellow countrymen to play the role of watchmen so that no one can create such a situation and attack people of different religions,” Rahman was quoted as saying.

The political crisis in Bangladesh reached a boiling point on Monday when Sheikh Hasina, who had served five terms as Prime Minister, resigned and left the country under mounting pressure from widespread protests. The unrest, which has claimed nearly 100 lives, led the military to seize control of the government, with General Waker-Uz-Zaman announcing the formation of an interim administration to restore stability.

Jamaat Ameer’s call to the countrymen

“Dear countrymen,
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.

Dictator Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country in the face of mass uprising of the students and the general masses. An interim government will be formed to run the state in a very… pic.twitter.com/mGpkdhXy7f

— Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (@BJI_Official) August 5, 2024

As violence continued to escalate, Rahman’s appeal highlighted the need for collective action to prevent further bloodshed. He stressed that the current unrest should not be allowed to spiral into religious violence, which could further destabilise the country. Rahman called on the nation’s citizens to act as guardians of peace during this critical time.

The political sphere of Bangladesh is undergoing significant changes, with former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia ordered to be released from prison by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. This decision, taken amidst the ongoing turmoil, signals a potential shift in power dynamics as the country braces for the formation of a new government.