Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Acting Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 29^th November, 2023 appreciating the countrymen and Jamaat leaders and activists for observing the blockade program on 29^th November and simultaneously protesting and condemning the arrest drives and ongoing repression of the government.

“I am appreciating the countrymen and Jamaat leaders and activists for observing the blockade program on 29^th November which was declared protesting the perverse judgment in Jamaat’s registration case and recently declared election schedule for a one-sided election and also demanding immediate release of Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other political detainees, withdrawal of false cases and for bringing the prices of all essentials within people’s capacity. I am also urging them to observe dawn to dusk strike on 30^th November peacefully.

The oppressor regime has been plotting conspiracy to come back to office without the mandate of the people. Ignoring the public views, they have abused the election commission to declare schedule for holding a one-sided election. Thus, the election commission has put the nation toward a severe crisis. The countrymen vehemently rejected the schedule. Jamaat is a systematic and democratic party. Without giving chance to place argument, the court has rejected the appeal plea of Jamaat-e-Islami in registration case which is not justified. Actually, the government has become afraid of the growing popularity of Jamaat-e-Islami and as such they are keeping Jamaat-e-Islami out of the election process.

Still, level-playing field is not created for holding a credible election. The ruling party is enjoying all spaces but they are not giving a minimum space to the opposition parties. The opposition parties are subdued and they are not allowed to hold any program or rally. Thousands of opposition activists are being kept behind the bar because of their criticism of the government. Defying the bail order of the high court, the opposition men are not allowed to be freed. Panic situation has been created in many areas by conducting secret murders. The tyrannical regime has transformed the country into a failed and ineffective state. In last 24 hours, the authority has arrested 25 Jamaat and Chhatrashibir activists from various places of the country.

I am condemning the torture, arrest drives and repression of the tyrannical regime and demanding immediate release of all political detainees.