Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Venue: Central Office
Date: 15 July, 2009, 5 PM
Dear Journalist Friends,
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah.
We are sorry to give you trouble for coming here to say a few things to the entire nation through you about an issue of humanitarian concern. You are well aware of that the religious and democratic rights of every citizen have been protected in the Constitution of Bangladesh. Therefore, each citizen reserves the rights of following as well as preaching his/her own religion as much as they do reserve the rights of participating in meetings and express their own opinion.
But painfully, a complete antithetical situation has been prevailing in Pirojpur district, Nazirpur and Zianagar Upazilla. The person, who was elected as people’s representative to the National Parliament from that area on 29 December election, has been acting as a feudal landlord rather than people’s representative. As no subject could cross a landlord’s mansion during feudal time; similarly nothing can be done in Pirojpur district, Nazirpur and Zianagar Upazilla now without his permission. No one can do anything beyond his will and whim. He has coerced the administration to work according to his will using his dominion. Nothing called rule of law and fundamental human rights granted by the Constitution did there exist. The area has turned into an unfettered realm for the nefarious instead of a place for good people. The supporters of the government party are openly declaring that those who did not vote for the boat and those who worked for Maulana Sayeedi will be avenged. That declaration is in effect in Pirojpur district, Nazirpur and Zianagar Upazilla.
I inform the people of the country with agony that, two members of Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha and a teacher with them were tormented by activists of Chhatra League while visiting Zianagar Upazilla. They (activists of Chhatra League) barred their way and snatched away cell phone from one of the girls. Terrified and intimidated, the girls and the teacher took shelter in a nearby Madrasah. The thugs of Chhatra League identified three of them and called up the Police. Police came to the spot and arrested them under pressure from the government. Without scrutiny, they were shown arrested under Article 54.
Dear Journalist Friends,
Fauzia Akhter, a student of Pirojpur Government Sohrawardi College and Jesmin Nahar, a student of Islami University were handed over to Police merely because they were members of Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha. You are aware that Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha is a legally recognized girls’ Islamic Organization. This organization has branches in almost all educational institutions in Bangladesh. They have been engaged in preaching the true teachings of Islam. The basic work of Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha is to mould the integrity of girls at this age of ethical degradation.
Each and every member of Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha is decent, honest and devout. Beyond any question, they are the assets of this country. All of their activities are legal and constructive. There is no question of their relation with any extremist group. Those who accused them could not provide any evidence; on the contrary, Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha has always been active against extremism and terrorism in the name of Islam.
It is an abominable incident in the history of Bangladesh that they are harassed only because they are members of Chhatri Sangstha. On the other hand, a school teacher named Tania Akhter who is being taken to remand is the daughter of Zianagar Upazilla Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Her only fault seems to be that his father is a leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. It is beyond imagination in a civilized and democratic society. We strongly condemn and protest this.
We believe that this incident has hurt the feeling of the entire nation. It has angered all devoted people of this country regardless of their political identity, Ulamas and people with conscience. Moreover, we want to say that authoritarian rule and fascism can never bring welfare to anyone. History is its cruel example.
Dear Journalist Friends,
Another thing that also hurt our feelings is that all of these three arrestees were women with Burqa and veil. According to the Islamic rule, it is mandatory to wear veil. Those who follow this religious custom in the unfavorable circumstances undoubtedly they deserve our respect. But we are surprised to see that, by this incident, wearing of veil and Burqa has been disgraced. People of this country came to know through newspapers that they were prevented for wearing veil during their presence at the Court.
We strongly say that, the blow on following Islamic custom is, in fact, a blow on the rights of practicing religion. It is not acceptable in any way. The people of this country would rather starve and die than accepting dishonor upon their religion.
In the conclusion, I strongly urge to the government to set those three innocent girls and woman free unconditionally. At the same time I would like to request the Ulama of the country, all political parties and human rights organizations to be vocal against this kind of oppression against women.
Ali Ahsan Mohammad Muzahid
Secretary General, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
and Former Minister
