Questions about Jamaat’s creed: Islamic Movement of Bangladesh warns its members

Staff Correspondent

The Islamic Movement of Bangladesh, which has left the Jamaat-led alliance formed ahead of the 13th National Assembly elections, has raised questions about the party’s creed. The party says that the partner parties should consider whether the statement made by Jamaat is in conflict with their long-standing principles and ideals.

IABA spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman highlighted this position at a press conference at the central office in Noakhali Tower, Purana Paltan yesterday.

Gazi Ataur said that Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman recently said in a discussion that if they come to power, they will run the state according to the existing law. He also assured a member of the Christian community that he will not take any steps to establish Sharia law.

IABA claims that this statement contradicts the original slogan of Jamaat at its inception—’We want the law of Allah, we want the rule of honest people’.

Ataur said, “If we consider the sentiments of those working for Islam across the country, it can be seen that Jamaat has taken a stand in favor of the existing law. We do not see the possibility of achieving ideological goals in this.”

It was announced at the press conference that IABA Bangladesh will field its candidates in 268 seats. The party will support others after withdrawing nomination papers in the remaining 32 seats.

The spokesperson said, “We do not want to be an obstacle in their (Jamaat’s) path to power. However, the existing law has failed to establish peace and welfare. This law has given rise to discrimination and injustice. We have always said that establishing the law given by Allah is the goal of our movement.”

He said, “When we see at the last moment that Jamaat is talking about running the state under existing laws, we are no longer in a position to remain partners.”

Call to partners: ‘Check if the ideals are conflicting’

The 11-party alliance formed under the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) included various religious parties, including the IABA. With the 13th election approaching, this front was in the process of transforming into an electoral alliance. Regarding this, the IABA leaders said that the partner parties should review their positions.

Ataur Rahman said, “They should clearly consider whether the Jamaat chief’s statement conflicts with their (their) principles and ideals.”

IABA also cited political reasons behind leaving the alliance, saying that Jamaat had discussed forming a national government after meeting with BNP leader Tarique Rahman, but did not inform its partners.

The spokesperson said, “BNP is our rival. If there is an agreement with a rival force, questions arise about the transparency of the election. In this situation, there is a fear of whether the election will be an election or a selection.”

He said, “We want the country to come out of the situation that has been stigmatized in Bangladesh in the past regarding elections. We do not want elections that are basically compromises.”

IABA said that after the fall of the previous government, a big opportunity arose for Islamists. In that context, Charmonai Pir announced the ‘One Box Policy’, so that Islamist parties would be on a single platform.

The Joint Secretary General said, “People had expectations that Islamic forces would unite. But some have deviated from this policy for political reasons. We are saddened by this.”

He said, “We do politics of worship, we cannot cheat. We have no room to deviate from our principles and ideals.”

The Islamic Movement of Bangladesh (IABA) admits that the path ahead may not be easy after leaving the alliance. However, they want to continue ideology-based politics.

The spokesperson said, “We do not engage in power politics. Islam is our main goal. We will not give up even if we are the victims of hostility on the issue of principles and ideals.”

He also said that the party will decide who will be supported in the 32 seats after the nominations are withdrawn.

IABA Joint Secretary General Ashraful Alam, Assistant Secretary General Ahmed Abdul Qayyum, KM Atiqur Rahman, Organizing Secretary Shah Iftekhar Tariq, Office Secretary Lokman Hossain Jafri, and Publicity and Dawah Secretary Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf were present at the press conference.