Acting Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former lawmaker Professor Mujibur Rahman has issued the following statement on 1st October 2023 protesting and condemning the unlawful arrests of Jamaat leaders and activists nationwide.

“Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka north city organized a peaceful demonstration today demanding release of Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, other leaders and religious scholars, withdrawal of the false cases, stepdown of the government and for restoring caretaker government system. Following the procession, police arrested 11 people including bus passengers, pedestrians, labors and aged people. Police also arrested 10 men from various places of Dhaka south city and tortured them physically. The police who were involved with these torture incidents they have to be accountable in the court of the people.

In a separate incident, DB police carried raid in various houses in Narsingdi district. During the raids, they made discourteous behavior with the family members and threatened them. DB police also arrested Narsingdi city Jamaat’s former Ameer, veteran leader and freedom fighter Johirul Islam Manik. I am condemning these arrest drives and misbehaviors by the law enforcement members.

It is natural that the citizen will make constructive criticism of the government in a democratic and peaceful way. To hold processions and rallies is the constitutional right of a legal party. No one has the right to deprive other from availing these rights. Awami League government do not believe in democracy. The incumbent fascist government want to subdue the dissident voices through tortures and repressions. People have no confidence upon this government. They have to leave office ultimately.

The government is arresting people, particularly the opposition leaders and activists indiscriminately in order to foil the upcoming election and also to create an instable situation. I am urging the countrymen to launch massive movement against the undemocratic and tyrannical activities of the government.

We are also calling upon the government to release Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, other leaders and religious scholars, to withdraw the false cases, and also to accept the demand of restoring caretaker government system immediately.