Photo: Messenger
Jamaat-e-Islami finds itself in an advantageous position following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's government in the student-led uprising. While the focus remains on the upcoming elections, the party is currently active in social work. Offices that were previously closed across the country have been reopened, and the party is holding meetings with various political groups daily. Additionally, Jamaat-e-Islami is working to reinstate its canceled registration and overturn the executive order that halted its political activities.
Leaders and activists, who had long faced significant restrictions, are now relieved to operate without hindrance. Central leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami indicate that they had been unable to lead a normal life or engage in politics for a long time. With these constraints now lifted, they are committed to working for the country’s and people's welfare without harboring animosity. They also note that they have left the responsibility of justice to the people of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina's government fell during the student-led uprising on August 5, leading to her resignation and departure to India. On August 8, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus formed an interim government. Since then, Awami League leaders and activists have been in hiding, with numerous cases being filed against senior and mid-level party members for various offenses, including murder.
In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami, which had long been repressed, is now actively re-entering the political arena. The party had been unable to operate effectively due to lawsuits and torture for nearly 17 years, with numerous cases filed against its ward-level leaders and activists. Following the fall of the government, Jamaat activists are now securing bail in large numbers and carrying out their activities without obstruction. All previously closed offices at district and upazila levels have been reopened.
Additionally, Jamaat-e-Islami is working to lift the ban imposed on its activities by executive order four days before the fall of the Awami League government. A notification to this effect may be issued within the next two days. The party is also preparing legal action to challenge the decision to cancel its registration and has appointed a lawyer to handle this matter.
Jamaat-e-Islami has shifted its focus toward extensive social work rather than just organizational activities. The party is prioritizing the protection of minorities and addressing the concerns of those Awami Leaguers who left their areas due to fear. Jamaat has been praised by people from various religious communities for their efforts. The party leaders have engaged with Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities and have supported the families of those affected by recent violence, both financially and through their presence. Additionally, Jamaat-e-Islami is actively working in 13 districts to assist flood victims.
Fazlul Haque, Secretary of Education, Literature, Culture, Information Research, and Legal Aid of Jashore District Jamaat, stated that their main objective is to stabilize the country following Sheikh Hasina's resignation. They aim to ensure that no one, including minority communities, faces harassment or torture. The party is also focusing on helping flood-affected individuals and preparing for the upcoming elections by shaping public opinion.
Maulana Azizur Rahman, a member of Jamaat-e-Islami's Central Working Council, told The Daily Messenger that the party's efforts are not solely focused on elections. Jamaat-e-Islami is committed to the welfare of the people and seeks to attain Allah's pleasure. The party is working with this perspective, though preparations for the upcoming elections continue.
Maulana Abdul Halim, Central Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, remarked that the recent student and public movements have liberated the people from prolonged persecution by the Awami League government. He noted that now, Jamaat leaders and workers are living a more normal life and continue to focus on serving the people and seeking divine approval.
The Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Prof. Mia Golam Parwar, told The Daily Messenger that Jamaat-e-Islami has endured significant persecution over the past 17 years. In the current changed situation, the party is resuming normal operations and focusing on activities that benefit the country's people rather than pursuing power. When asked about the future, he expressed hope that the new government will address the injustices of the previous administration, particularly regarding the cancellation of Jamaat's registration and the ban on its political activities. He emphasized that the judgment of the Awami League will ultimately be determined by the people of the country.
Messenger/Disha
