A meeting of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central working committee was held on 23rd July 2022 with Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in the chair. At this meeting, Jamaat Ameer upheld the country’s existing situation and said,

“At present, Bangladesh is experiencing a critical situation. The government has been continuing its repression and crackdown to subdue the dissident voices. The government, in particular, carried out the worst ever oppression against Jamaat-e-Islami. Leaders, activists even well-wishers are not spared from such torture and persecution. However, despite all these obstructions, Jamaat has been continuing its regular activities.

Amid such a repressive situation, the last national election was held in 2018 which was very important for the nation. But the farce and irregularities that took place centering that election became a drastic loss for the fellow countrymen.

The government’s conspiracy was responsible for such a crisis and simultaneously, opposition parties also failed to play their due role. Till now, Jamaat’s central office or any other branch offices are not allowed to open. We are facing various problems even in managing the organizational activities. Significant numbers of our leaders and activists have set the example of martyrdom. We are still working on tolerating many barriers. Jamaat-e-Islami is also trying to play its role in people’s crises and critical conditions.

We have tried to remain vocal against the misrule and mismanagement of this government including a price hike of essentials and removing Islamic elements from the academic process. In the recent devastating flood, Jamaat’s all branches played a historic role by the grace of Almighty Allah. Jamaat’s role to serve the flood victims has been considered positive. Different other organizations, institutions, and NGOs also worked for reducing the public miseries.

While the government’s role in tackling the flood situation was very silent and frustrating. The government has totally failed to play its due role. When millions of flood victims became helpless after losing their all belongings, the government at that time was busy with gorgeous celebrations. The authority had no trace in the first three days since the beginning of the flood. The government’s reaction and assistance were truly inadequate in comparison to people’s requirements which is really painful for the nation.

Jamaat Ameer said, Alhamdulillah, since the onset of this situation, Jamaat was with the flood victims. Initially, we distributed dry food, food packets, rice, lentils, oil, potatoes, and utensils and since then we are trying to give them items as per their necessities gradually. We have also conveyed 115 tons of food for the cattle. Financial assistance was served among the SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examinees. Now we have initiated the rehabilitation program. So far a fund of 5 crore taka has been declared on behalf of our beloved organization. But that is not enough. However, with the blessings of Allah, it will be beneficial for disaster-affected people. If we can provide them a minimum shelter to reside in, Almighty Allah will give us an abode in paradise. May Allah accept our sacrifices and contributions. May Allah give reward and barakah to our beloved organization.

Jamaat Ameer said, we have taken the initiative to provide employment opportunities to the jobless people. May Allah bless us to do something significant in these efforts. We already established an arrangement of medicines. The flood-affected areas will get medicines from there if any water-borne disease affects them following the flood situation.

Our national lives have been crossing some severe critical conditions. One of the crises is financial. But it is a matter of great regret that the government is trying to conceal this reality and making a fictitious story of development. Through some visible mega projects, they are trying to deceive the nation. These mega projects have given the ruling party men to make mega corruption. Billions of money have been laundered in various nations. The amount that we came to know is beyond our imagination. It may be 3 or 4 times more than our national budget.

The government is again trying to hold another farcical election through its subservient election commission. But light is seen at the end of the tunnel as those people, who did not talk about the caretaker system last time, even they preferred this system now. But only verbal demand is not enough. To meet the demand of a neutral government, we have to compel the government by launching massive movement. To do so, we need national unity. Whether the opposition will prefer an alliance-based movement or a joint movement that is not important now. Unity should be maintained both in programs and thoughts. Ultimately, all quarters should come to one single point. It has been repeatedly proved that a fair, impartial, and credible election is not possible under a political government. The incumbent government has completely destroyed the electoral system. So, no election will be allowed under this government. We firmly believe that the upcoming national election must be held under either caretaker or neutral interim government.

Jamaat Ameer said, if the nation fails to attain this demand, it will bring more darkness, suffering, and uncertainty to this nation. May Allah save us from such a situation. As a responsible and pro-people political party, Jamaat had always been vocal in securing public rights. Similarly, this time, Jamaat is also prepared to make such a critical role. We do not have any other alternative.

Finally, he said, in order to hold a free, fair, and credible election under a neutral interim government, we should immediately initiate communications and exchange of views and thoughts among the opposition parties and other stakeholders. Jamaat Ameer also sought the blessing and help from Almighty Allah to save the nation from the clutches of misrule and also to establish a better future.