Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Acting Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 9th September 2023 protesting and condemning the arrest of 5 Jamaat leaders and activists from Moulvibazar including district Ameer Engineer Shahed Ali, Secretary Yamir Ali and Sadar Upazila Ameer Fakhrul Islam.

“Police has arrested 5 Jamaat leaders and activists from Moulvibazar including district Ameer Engineer Shahed Ali, Secretary Yamir Ali and Sadar Upazila Ameer Fakhrul Islam from a house while they were taking part in a discussion and prayer program on last 7th September night. There was no arrest of warrant against them. It is totally unacceptable and unexpected to arrest the leaders and activists of a party just because of political vengeance. I am vehemently condemning such arrest drives.

The government is not allowing any parties to continue its political activities. They are torturing and harassing thousands of Jamaat leaders and activists unlawfully. Despite such torture and repression, Jamaat-e-Islami is continuing its natural political activities peacefully.

It the constitutional right of a party to hold processions and rallies. No one has the right to deprive a party from availing such right. The government has created a reign of terror nationwide. The government is trying to linger its tenure by harassing the opposition men in connection with false and concocted case. But they will not be able to do so by continuing oppression and torture.

The incumbent undemocratic and fascist government has seized all the basic rights of the people. They do not have the mentality to accept criticism. They have turned the entire nation a police state. The law enforcers are being used as a tool of repression instead of conducting their professional duties. I am urging the countrymen to raise voice against all undemocratic practices of the government.

I am calling upon the concerned authorities to stop torture and harassment and to release all detained leaders and activists including Moulvibazar district Ameer Engineer Shahed Ali immediately. Besides, I am insisting to establish a caretaker government and to hold a free, fair and credible election under that government.