Jamaat Ameer Points Finger at BNP: Extortion Rates Have Increased

Staff Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has indirectly accused BNP, stating that certain political parties have completely failed to control their own activists since August 5. He alleged, “Now when you visit different areas, you hear that extortion rates have increased compared to before.” He questioned, “Why should rates increase? There shouldn’t be any extortion at all.”

He added that lobbying begins even before identified criminals are taken to police stations, which must be stopped.

Dr. Rahman made these remarks during the opening session of Jamaat’s two-day district and metropolitan Ameer conference at Al-Falah Auditorium in Mogbazar, Dhaka, on Saturday.

Advocating for proportional representation in parliament, the Jamaat chief said the current electoral system allows unqualified individuals to become MPs who are incapable of lawmaking or reform. He suggested that parties should receive seats proportional to their vote share.

He proposed holding elections by February or April next year, considering Ramadan and weather conditions. He noted that if the reform process gains momentum, elections could be held within the government’s announced timeframe.

The Jamaat leader also demanded visible progress in the trials of July’s mass killings, stating, “Not all justice may be possible, but some trials are necessary to restore public trust. Justice will reduce black money and muscle power dominance. Without trials, these concerns will persist.”

He warned that without free and fair elections, instability and economic damage would worsen.

Dr. Rahman also criticized the Women’s Reform Commission report again, questioning, “Has fascism fallen, or the fascists? It’s time to think. Even though the government was formed by public will, some advisors are playing undesirable roles.”

Among others present at the conference were Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General ATM Masum, Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, and Maulana Abdul Halim, along with other top leaders.