Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Acting Ameer and former lawmaker Professor Mujibur Rahman has issued the following statement on 19th September 2023 protesting and condemning the attacks and obstruction against Jamaat’s declared peaceful demonstrations and subsequent arrest drives. 

Jamaat declared peaceful demonstrations held on 19th September in all cities demanding immediate release of party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other leaders, withdrawal of false cases and restoration of the caretaker government system. To foil the pre-declared programs, police have carried raids in the houses, business institutions and working place for last couple of days. They ransacked the household furniture during the raid. The entire nation has turned into a prison. Police arrested Naogaon west district secretary Maulana Habibur Rahman, Narshingdi district finance secretary Sayeduzzaman and professional wing’s member Shafiqul Islam unjustifiably. Police also arrested Meherpur district Jamaat activist Jahangir and 16 others. A false case has been filed against them in a false case under special power act. I am severely condemning police’s arrest drives and all repressions. 

To hold meeting and rallies is a normal political process. But Awami League does not believe in democracy. Right now, movement is growing intense in the country to restore democracy and public rights. The government also understood that they have lost public support and confidence. This is why, they are arresting the opposition leaders and activists randomly. Murder, enforced disappearances, harassment and arrest drives became the routine work of the government. The law enforcement agencies are being used as government's tool to implement its agendas. Insha Allah, the people will make the government compelled to hold next election under a caretaker government.

I am urging the government to stop torture and harassment and to release all detained leaders and activists including Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman immediately.