[🇧🇩] Political Activities of Jamaat-E-Islami

[Saif]

Jamaat denies rumours of its leader's secret Doha visit

Jamaat-e-Islami has denied claims circulating on social media that party chief Shafiqur Rahman secretly visited Doha, Qatar. In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s acting Secretary General, Maulana ATM Masum, said the rumour was false and intended to discredit the Jamaat leader, accord

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat denies rumours of its leader's secret Doha visit

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 01, 2025 23:00
Updated :
Jun 01, 2025 23:00

Jamaat-e-Islami has denied claims circulating on social media that party chief Shafiqur Rahman secretly visited Doha, Qatar.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s acting Secretary General, Maulana ATM Masum, said the rumour was false and intended to discredit the Jamaat leader, according to local media.

He stated that Shafiqur Rahman remained in Bangladesh throughout the period in question and carried out various party activities. Between May 28 and 31, he attended events in Dhaka, led a student workshop, and chaired a central executive meeting.

On May 31, Rahman travelled to Syedpur to attend the closing session of a two-day training camp and returned to Dhaka the same evening. Jamaat has urged all to refrain from spreading misinformation.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat calls for national election between December and April

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its desire to hold the next national election between December this year and April next year. The party conveyed this position during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday afternoon, according to local media. J

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat calls for national election between December and April

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 02, 2025 22:54
Updated :
Jun 02, 2025 22:54

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its desire to hold the next national election between December this year and April next year.

The party conveyed this position during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday afternoon, according to local media.

Jamaat’s Deputy Amir Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said the party is flexible on the election date but prefers it within the December-April timeframe.

Discussions also covered political reforms, aiming for completion by July. Taher added that all parties would meet from tomorrow to seek consensus on outstanding issues, with a final charter expected in July.

Regarding the election schedule, Taher said while some parties favour December, Jamaat ruled out May and June due to unsuitable weather conditions. They urged the Chief Adviser to announce a date within the suggested timeframe to alleviate public uncertainty.

Other topics included establishing voting rights for expatriates and ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.​

 

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Country made into a crematory in past: Jamaat chief

Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said many people showed dream of making Bangladesh into a ‘Golden Bengal’, but in fact they made it a crematory. “This type of mistake should not be allowed again as they want changes in the society,” he said. Jamma

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Country made into a crematory in past: Jamaat chief

Published :
Jun 08, 2025 21:04
Updated :
Jun 08, 2025 21:04

Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said many people showed dream of making Bangladesh into a ‘Golden Bengal’, but in fact they made it a crematory.

“This type of mistake should not be allowed again as they want changes in the society,” he said.

Jammat Amir said this while exchanging Eid greetings with cross section of people at Kulaura yesterday. Kulaura Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami organized program at Municipal hall room, moderated by Amir of Kulaura upazila Jamaat Abdul Muttajim, reports BSS.

The function was addressed, among others, by Assistant Secretary General of the party Ehsanul Mahbub Jubair, Amir of Sylhet city unit Md Fakhrul Islam, Majlish-e-Sura member Md Abdul Mannan, district secretary Md Yamir Ali, district president of Islami Andolon Maulana Abdul Kuddus, president of Kulaura press club M Sakil Rashid Chowdhury, educationist Md Mohibur Rahman and former upazila Amir Khandkar Abdus Sobhan.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “The fascism is still exists in the country but we will not accept it. None will be allowed to dacoit vote in the upcoming general election.

Urging all to establish a discrimination free society based on equality and justice, he said all the Islamic forces should work together sinking all conspiracies to create disunity among the Islamic forces.​

 

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Expatriates, young voters must be allowed to vote: Jamaat chief

Shafiqur holds interim government to its election deadline for April

www.thedailystar.net

Expatriates, young voters must be allowed to vote: Jamaat chief

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has called for the voting rights of expatriates and young voters to be ensured in the upcoming general election.

Speaking as the chief guest at an Eid reunion organised by Barlekha upazila Jamaat at Barlekha Bazar today, Shafiqur said, "Expatriates are remittance fighters. Not allowing them to vote is a denial of their basic right as citizens. They must be guaranteed a transparent and convenient way to cast their votes, whether from home or abroad."

He said the youth had played a pivotal role in reshaping Bangladesh's political landscape and that their role must be acknowledged by ensuring their inclusion in the election process.

"Young people who will turn 18 before the election schedule must be included in the voter list. They have earned their rights through protest and resistance," he said.

Criticising the former ruling party, Shafiqur said, "Those who oppressed the nation for 15 and a half years are still trying to destabilise the country. They have taken lives—of children and of the elderly—but have shown no remorse. They must repent."

He praised the youth for what he described as their success in toppling an "authoritarian" regime, saying, "For 15 and a half years, we tried through protest and agitation. The youth have succeeded. We do not want to see a chaotic Bangladesh; we want to see a humane Bangladesh."

Shafiqur warned against any attempts by former ruling forces to return to power through the upcoming polls.

"If any dark force tries to re-enter the scene through this election, they will face the same resistance as they did in July. The youth will lead this fight."

He also urged the interim government to honour its commitment to hold elections in April.

"We want to believe in the chief adviser's words. He said the polls would be held in mid-April. If they are delayed, it must not go beyond April. Elections must be free and fair, and the people must have the right to vote."

On education, Shafiqur said the existing system had failed to produce morally sound and self-reliant citizens.

"This system leaves graduates jobless, walking around with files. If Jamaat comes to power, we will carry out a major overhaul of the education system. People will choose their profession on their own, and there will be no unemployment after graduation."​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat holds meeting with delegation from international human rights organizations

A three-member delegation representing international human rights organizations met with Jamaat-e-Islami at the party’s central office in the capital on Monday. The delegation comprised Nicolo Figa Talamanca, Secretary General of the international human rights NGO ‘No Peace Without Jus

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat holds meeting with delegation from international human rights organizations

UNB
Published :
Jun 16, 2025 22:59
Updated :
Jun 16, 2025 22:59

A three-member delegation representing international human rights organizations met with Jamaat-e-Islami at the party’s central office in the capital on Monday.

The delegation comprised Nicolo Figa Talamanca, Secretary General of the international human rights NGO ‘No Peace Without Justice’, Pascal Tarlan, International Lawyer and Accountability Expert, and Abbas Faiz, International Human Rights Law Expert and former Director of Amnesty International.

The meeting was attended by Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, Central Executive Council member and Secretary of the Central Media and Publicity Department Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, and Jamaat-e-Islami Europe spokesperson Barrister Abu Bakar Molla.

At the meeting, the delegation was informed about Jamaat’s activities in the overall political situation in Bangladesh.

After the meeting, the delegation made a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat regains its registration with electoral symbol 'Scales'

The election commission has officially restored the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, reinstating its traditional electoral symbol, the ‘Scales’ (Daripalla). The commission on Tuesday published a gazette notification signed by senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed, declaring the cancellation...

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Jamaat regains its registration with electoral symbol 'Scales'

UNB Dhaka
Published: 24 Jun 2025, 21: 09

Logo of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami

The election commission has officially restored the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, reinstating its traditional electoral symbol, the ‘Scales’ (Daripalla).

The commission on Tuesday published a gazette notification signed by senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed, declaring the cancellation of its earlier notification issued on 28 October 2018, which had revoked Jamaat’s registration.

Following a ruling handed down by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Jamaat-e-Islami’s party registration with its party symbol was reinstated by cancelling the notification issued on 28 October 2018, said the latest notification.

With reinstatement of registration, Jamaat will now be able to contest the next parliamentary elections, using its ‘Scales’ symbol.

Jamaat had originally been registered with the election commission on 4 November 2008 (Registration No. 014) under Article 90B of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. But the registration was scrapped in 2018 in compliance with a 2013 judgment delivered by the High Court following a writ petition of 2009.

However, on 1 June last, the Appellate Division overturned the High Court’s verdict, paving the way for the restoration of the party’s registration and its electoral symbol.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the election commission in a meeting held on 4 June took a decision to reinstate Jamaat’s registration and symbol.​

 

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No credible election possible without major reforms: Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said a free and fair election is not possible without fundamental reforms. Speaking to reporters at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari before attending a public rally in Rangpur, he said, “Mob culture has been prevailing in the country

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No credible election possible without major reforms: Jamaat Ameer

UNB
Published :
Jul 04, 2025 20:56
Updated :
Jul 04, 2025 21:06

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said a free and fair election is not possible without fundamental reforms.

Speaking to reporters at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari before attending a public rally in Rangpur, he said, “Mob culture has been prevailing in the country for a long time, but no Jamaat activist is involved in such violence. Since 1972, we have consistently opposed mob politics.”

Referring to the recent violence in Patgram, Lalmonirhat, Dr Shafiqur said, “Under the current circumstances, a neutral election is impossible. We must first create an environment for credible elections, and that requires fundamental reforms.”

Urging political parties to control their activists to prevent violence, he added, “Political leaders must take responsibility for their own activists. Only then can the state play its role in maintaining order.”

Friday’s rally marked the first major Jamaat gathering in Rangpur in nearly 17 years. Thousands of leaders and supporters from Rangpur and neighbouring districts joined the rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground, with the crowd spilling over onto adjacent streets. The rally echoed with slogans demanding the implementation of Islamic law and governance by honest leaders.

During the rally, Jamaat’s Rangpur-Dinajpur regional director and assistant secretary general Maulana Abdul Halim announced party candidates for all 33 parliamentary seats in Rangpur division, coveringRangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, and Lalmonirhat districts.

Supporters travelled to Rangpur by rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, and trucks since morning to join the event.

Security was heightened across the city in anticipation of the rally, which was organised by Jamaat’s Rangpur metropolitan and district units to press for four key demands, including justice for the July-August uprising killings and reforms before the next national elections.

Jamaat leaders said the rally aimed to mobilise public support in the spirit of the July Uprising and initiate a broader movement for a ‘new Bangladesh.’

Thirty-three candidates were formally introduced at the event.​

 

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How could election be held in this situation, asks Jamaat ameer

Two convicts, who were handed punishment by a mobile court, were snatched following an attack at Patgram police station in Lalmonirhat. Mentioning the incident, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday remarked, “What election in this situation? How could an election be...

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How could election be held in this situation, asks Jamaat ameer
Correspondent Syedpur, Nilphamari
Published: 04 Jul 2025, 22: 13

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman File photo

Two convicts, who were handed punishment by a mobile court, were snatched following an attack at Patgram police station in Lalmonirhat.

Mentioning the incident, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday remarked, “What election in this situation? How could an election be organised? An environment must be created for an election to be held.”

The Jamaat ameer came up with the comment in response to a question from a newsperson at Syedpur airport today.

Stating that the reform initiatives are being discussed to create a conducive environment for an election, he said, “We hope a good election will be held if the fundamental reforms could be implemented. There is no scope of any ‘if’. Reforms must be implemented and a good election too.”

Responding to another question about “mob-violence”, the Jamaat ameer maintained, “Mob was there in Bangladesh always. This started back in ’72 and has been continuing as of now. But we don’t want this mob; we are totally against the mob. You will not find any Jamaat-e-Islami activists or supporters among the mob.”

Speaking about controlling the mob-violence, Shafiqur Rahman said, “The leaders have to control their people. Then the responsibility of the state comes. It would not be right to shift all responsibilities to the state alone.”

Assuring about helping control the mob, the Jamaat ameer insisted, “There will be one trial; this will not be handed over to anyone else. The responsibility of trial will remain in the hands of the court only, Insha Allah.”

After talking to newspersons, Shafiqur Rahman left Syedpur to join a party rally in Rangpur.​

 

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Malaysian HC, representatives of FORUM-ASIA, JDF meet Jamaat chief

A five members delegation, including Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka, on Sunday made a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami central office. “The meeting was held in a cordial and warm atmosphere,” said party release. O

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Malaysian HC, representatives of FORUM-ASIA, JDF meet Jamaat chief

BSS
Published :
Jul 06, 2025 21:39
Updated :
Jul 06, 2025 21:39

A five members delegation, including Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka, on Sunday made a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami central office.

“The meeting was held in a cordial and warm atmosphere,” said party release.

Other members of the delegation included Asian Forum for Peace and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Chairman Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman, a member of FORUM-ASIA and Justice and Development Front’s Central Committee and a member of FORUM-ASIA.

Jamaat Nayeb-e Ameer ex-MP Professor Mujibur Rahman, ex-MP Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and ex-MP Maulana ANM Shamsul Islam, assistant secretary general and central media and publication head Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer and Islamic Dawa circle Malaysia president Professor Saifullah Mansur.​

 

[Saif]

After BNP, now Jamaat delegation to visit China

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh yesterday evening hosted a pre-departure reception for a high-level delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami

www.thedailystar.net

After BNP, now Jamaat delegation to visit China

Photo: Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh

After several visits by the BNP to China, a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is now going to visit China.

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh yesterday evening hosted a pre-departure reception for a high-level delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Nine members of the delegation was present at event addressed by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman.

A large delegation of BNP visited China last month at the invitation of Chinese Communist Party. Two other BNP delegations visited China earlier this year.​

 

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Jamaat-e-Islami to hold mass rally in Dhaka on Saturday, eyes 1.0 million attendance

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to hold a mass rally at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday (July 19) at 2:00 PM, aiming to gather over one million participants. The party has completed extensive preparations and launched wide-scale campaigns nationwide to ensure the success of the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat-e-Islami to hold mass rally in Dhaka on Saturday, eyes 1.0 million attendance

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jul 18, 2025 19:10
Updated :
Jul 18, 2025 19:52

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to hold a mass rally at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday (July 19) at 2:00 PM, aiming to gather over one million participants. The party has completed extensive preparations and launched wide-scale campaigns nationwide to ensure the success of the event.

In Dhaka and surrounding districts, banners, posters, leaflets, and mobile announcements have been widely used for publicity. Field visits confirmed intense campaign activity in areas like Shahbagh, Mirpur, Badda, and Mohakhali.

Jamaat will present seven key demands at the rally, including: justice for past massacres, national reforms, implementation of the July Declaration, rehabilitation of July uprising victims, proportional representation in elections, voting rights for expatriates, and a level playing field for all political parties.

The party has invited several other anti-government political groups, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Nationalist Citizens' Party (NCP), but did not confirm whether BNP leaders were formally invited.

To transport supporters, over 10,000 buses, special trains, and boats have been reserved. Around 6,000 volunteers will manage the event with designated uniforms and duties. Medical booths, parking zones, live broadcasts, and drone surveillance have also been arranged to ensure safety and coordination.​

 

[Saif]

4 special trains to run as Jamaat holds rally today

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital Dhaka today to press the party’s seven-point demand.

www.newagebd.net

4 special trains to run as Jamaat holds rally today
Staff Correspondent 18 July, 2025, 06:50

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital Dhaka today to press the party’s seven-point demand.

Bangladesh Railway will operate four special trains to transport leaders and supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to Dhaka for today’s rally.

The rally titled ‘Jatiya Samabesh’ will start at 2:00pm, the party’s secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, said at a press conference in the National Press Club in the capital on July 17.

He said that amir of the party Shafiqur Rahman would chair the rally and leaders of different political parties would speak at the programme. The rally will be followed by a cultural programme, he added.

All the preparations for holding the rally have already been completed and party leaders and activists from across the country will join it, Parwar said.

The party’s demands include ensuring a level playing field for all political parties, holding local government polls before next general elections, holding next general elections in the proportional representation system, holding trials of the fascists responsible for mass killings during the students-people uprising in July-August past year and holding visible reforms of the ruling system.

According to railway officials, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has rented the special trains through official procedures, and ticket fares will be collected from all passengers.

The operations of the special trains were scheduled to start Friday night and will end tomorrow morning on the Dhaka–Chattogram, Dhaka–Mymensingh, Dhaka–Rajshahi, and Dhaka–Sirajganj routes.

‘If the special trains come out to be commercially viable, we will always run such trains,’ Farid Ahmed, general manager of Bangladesh Railway’s west zone, told New Age on July 17 night.New age products

He mentioned that Jamaat had applied for the trains earlier and they would run two trains on Dhaka-Rajshahi and Dhaka-Srajganj routes, which have weekly day off on Saturday.

Ticket fares for the seats in the special trains would be higher than the usual ones as the trains would run non-stop and exclusively carry Jamaat supporters, Farid added.

The railways ministry on Friday issued a press release, saying that in social media some people were criticising the Bangladesh Railway’s step to give special trains to a political party.

The ministry said that they had previously given special trains for different political parties’ programmes and they were giving special trains only for transporting Jamaat supporters to prevent the other passengers from riding the trains without tickets and Jamaat paid Tk 32 lakh in advance for the trains.

According to the railway, on the Rajshahi-Dhaka-Rajshahi route, the Madhumati Express is scheduled to start from Rajshahi at 1:00am today and will reach the capital at 6:00am the same day.

The train is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 8:15pm today and will reach Rajshahi at 1:15am tomorrow.

On the Sirajganj-Dhaka-Sirajganj route, the Sirajganj Express is scheduled to start from Sirajganj Bazar at 6:00am today and will reach the capital at 9:30am the same day.

The train is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 11:55pm today and will reach Sirajganj at 3:30am tomorrow.

The special train on the Chattogram-Dhaka-Chattogram route was scheduled to start from Chattogram at 11:40pm on Friday and it will reach the capital at 6:00am today.

The same train will leave Dhaka at 11:30pm today and will reach the port city at 5:30am tomorrow.

The Mymensingh special train is scheduled to start from Mymensingh at 6:00am today and will reach Dhaka at 10am same day. It will leave the capital at 7:00pm and reach Mymensingh at 11:00pm today.

Dhaka divisional railway manager Mohiuddin Arif said that the special trains on the Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Mymensingh routes would be operated with old compartments taken from workshops.

No coaches would be taken from any running trains, he added.

Earlier in 2023, the railway had arranged seven special trains for leaders and activists of Awami League, which was outed from power on August 5, 2024, in a mass uprising, to join a rally in Rajshahi on January 29 and eight trains on the Mymensingh route to join another rally on March 11.

Railway officials at that time had said that the AL leaders and activists would pay all the ticket fares.​

 

[Saif]

Time up for the old ways of doing things in Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami Chief

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday delivered a firm rebuke to those who would like to see a restoration of the country’s “rotten old system,” saying, “First bring back the lives of those who sacrificed themselves in the July struggle—if you

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Time up for the old ways of doing things in Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami Chief

UNB
Published :
Jul 19, 2025 23:14
Updated :
Jul 19, 2025 23:14

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday delivered a firm rebuke to those who would like to see a restoration of the country’s “rotten old system,” saying, “First bring back the lives of those who sacrificed themselves in the July struggle—if you have the power. But you won’t be able to.”

He made the remarks while addressing a large national rally at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan, the party’s first-ever public gathering at the venue.

“The martyrs of July gave their lives for the freedom of the nation. If everything from the past is to be restored, then what did they die for?” Dr Rahman asked.

“We are indebted to those who were tortured, disabled, or martyred in the fight against tyranny. May Allah grant us the strength to repay that debt as long as Jamaat-e-Islami exists.”

The Jamaat chief mentioned several individuals who fell ill during the rally, including Khulna's upazila-level leader Maulana Abu Sayeed and Pabna’s elderly activist Mustafizur Rahman. “May Allah grant Paradise to those who passed away,” he said.

Dr Rahman fell ill himself while delivering his speech and had to pause briefly. Upon recovering, he resumed his remarks and declared, “As long as I live, I will fight for the people, InshaAllah. Our struggle will continue until the people of Bangladesh are truly free.”

He emphasized that the next major battle would be against corruption:

“Another war is coming—against corruption. With the strength of our youth, we will launch that fight, InshaAllah.”​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat-e-Islami chief hospitalised

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman was admitted to a hospital in the capital on Saturday evening. According to the party press wing, Dr Shafiqur’s physical condition is stable, as his blood pressure and sugar levels are under control. The party urged all to pray for

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat-e-Islami chief hospitalised

UNB
Published :
Jul 19, 2025 19:53
Updated :
Jul 19, 2025 19:53

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman was admitted to a hospital in the capital on Saturday evening.

According to the party press wing, Dr Shafiqur’s physical condition is stable, as his blood pressure and sugar levels are under control.

The party urged all to pray for his quick recovery.

Earlier in the day, Dr Shafiqur Rahman suddenly fell ill while delivering the presidential address at the party’s national rally held at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. Despite feeling unwell twice during his speech, he chose to complete it while seated on the stage.

Dr Shafiqur collapsed around seven and a half minutes into his address at the rally, which was organised to press home the party’s seven-point demand.

He later resumed his speech from a sitting position even though a doctor present on the stage reportedly advised him against continuing his address. “As long as Allah grants me life, I will continue to fight for the people, InshaAllah. My struggle will persist until the liberation of the people of Bengal is achieved,” the Jamaat Ameer said.​

 

[Saif]

Farhad Mazhar advises Jamaat to ‘change name’, revive its post-'75 IDL identity

Farhad Mazhar has urged Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to “change” its name out of respect for the spirit of the Liberation War and revive its post-1975 identity as the Islamic Democratic League (IDL). Speaking at the Chattogram Press Club on Saturday, the columnist and thinker wished succ

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Farhad Mazhar advises Jamaat to ‘change name’, revive its post-'75 IDL identity

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 19, 2025 23:16
Updated :
Jul 19, 2025 23:16

Farhad Mazhar has urged Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to “change” its name out of respect for the spirit of the Liberation War and revive its post-1975 identity as the Islamic Democratic League (IDL).

Speaking at the Chattogram Press Club on Saturday, the columnist and thinker wished success for Jamaat’s national rally held the same day and advised the party to “reconsider” its political strategy.

“Dissolving the Islamic Democratic League to re-emerge in politics under the Jamaat-e-Islami banner shows a lack of political foresight,” he said.

Jamaat returned to politics under the IDL alliance following the 1975 regime change in Bangladesh.

After the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the then president ASM Sayem lifted the ban on religion-based politics by repealing Article 38 of the Constitution.

On Aug 24 that year, several religion-based parties, led primarily by Jamaat, formed the IDL.

Jamaat resumed activities under its current name after a national conference at Dhaka’s Eden Hotel compound in the last week of May 1979, where it adopted a new constitution.

The party formally started operating as “Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh” from May 27.

At Saturday’s discussion, Farhad recommended the party return to its earlier political identity through the IDL.

He also spoke on issues relating to Chattogram Port, the Constitution, and “fascism”.

“Chattogram is the economic heart of the country, housing vital military and commercial infrastructure. Any damage to the city spells deep trouble for the nation,” he said.

Farhad stressed the need to present Chattogram’s “political and spiritual strength” to the world.

He called for autonomy and de-politicisation of Chattogram Port. “To eliminate corruption from the port, customs must be separated from it. Customs officials hold back goods for days to facilitate bribery.

“We must ensure the port is not used to serve foreign interests.”

Farhad praised Chattogram’s communal harmony.

“Chattogram is a unique example of interfaith peace, he said. “In areas like Hathazari, mosques and temples stand side by side, with communities coexisting in harmony for generations. It is vital to preserve this heritage.”

He cautioned against stereotyping. “Let no one wearing a beard, cap or panjabi be labelled a militant again. Nor should anyone in saffron robes be called a foreign agent.”

Calling on journalists to play a role in fighting all forms of fascism, Farhad said: “Fascism comes in many forms -- the fascism of secularism, the fascism of fanaticism -- all must be confronted.

“At the same time, we must protect democracy from fascist encroachment and establish a people-oriented constitution.”

He stressed the difference between a Constitution and polity.

“A Constitution is a legal framework; polity is the core philosophy of governance. Dr Kamal Hossain’s elevation of the Constitution as the central state ideology has caused confusion for the nation.”​