31 December 2022, Sat, 12:51

Acting Secretary General disregards top police officer’s intentional remark against Jamaat-e-Islami

- Maulana ATM Masum

Acting Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 31st December 2022 protesting and condemning the remark of a senior official of Bangladesh police who claimed that “Jamaat activists attacked the police forces during the mass procession of 30th December.

“Jamaat had applied to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner seeking permission to hold mass processions on 30th December both online and also by appearing physically. Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka city North and south units organized mass processions separately. Police instigated the peaceful procession of Dhaka city north, created obstruction, and hurled tear shells, rubber bullets, and charged batons. More than hundreds of activists became wounded following the police actions. Police have committed an unlawful task by obstructing peaceful processions.

A top official of Bangladesh police has made some remarks to the mass media, which is really shocking and surprising. Jamaat has never created any anarchy or mayhem. The party never attacked the police members, neither abducted them nor burnt them too. Jamaat has been doing politics in this country as a systematic and democratic party. Jamaat has taken part in democratic movements along with Awami League and BNP. Jamaat had representations in all previous parliaments as well. Jamaat is one of the most beloved organizations in Bangladesh. The constitution of Bangladesh has all chances and scope to all parties to hold meetings, processions, and rallies. No one has the right to overrule such privileges. The police official commented about not allowing Jamaat-e-Islami to hold processions which is a clear violation of the constitutional rights and the constitution. A senior officer of the state’s law enforcement agency cannot talk like that. It is unfortunate and unexpected.

Jamaat has no point of clashes with the police forces. Jamaat has confidence in the law enforcers. But the attitude of not allowing Jamaat to hold processions is unconstitutional.
We are urging all concerned quarters to ensure the rights to hold processions and rallies as per the constitution and simultaneously to refrain from harassing citizens.