Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Acting Ameer and former lawmaker Professor Mujibur Rahman has issued the following statement on 21st November, 2023 protesting and condemning the unjust arrests of Feni district Jamaat Ameer AKM Shamsuddin and noted lawyer of Dinajpur Advocate Mahbubur Rahman Bhutto.
Jamaat's anti-government movement is going on protesting the perverse judgment in Jamaat-e-Islami's registration case and declaration of one-sided election schedule and simultaneously demanding immediate stepdown of the government, restoration of caretaker government system, release of Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other political detainees, withdrawal of false cases and for bringing the prices of essentials within people's capacity. The whole nation is united and spontaneously taking part in this movement. In last 15 years, many people have become the victims of repression because of their criticism of the government. Many leaders and activists are being kept imprisoned in connection with false and concocted cases. Police have arrested 91 Jamaat leaders and activists from various places of the country in last 24 hours including Feni district Jamaat Ameer AKM Shamsuddin, noted lawyer of Dinajpur district Advocate Mahbubur Rahman Bhutto, Noakhali district Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary and Begumganj Upazila council’s former vice chairman Maulana Borhan Uddin and Kompaniganj Upazila Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary Mohiuddin.
The incumbent tyrannical government is not even ready to accept criticism of the opposition quarters. The people are wholeheartedly participating in the movement for restoring democracy and other rights. The government has become restless because of its fear of losing power. Government also gave green signal to commit corruption and looting but do not allow the people to speak up about these irregularities. People’s voices are subdued by imposing fear and intimidation. A reign of terror has been created across the country. The mandate-less government has been arrested the leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and other opposition parties to stay in office forcefully. The whole nation has been transformed into a giant prison. The people are the victims of government’s oppression and they are crying to get rid of it. But no oppressor regime could survive in the past by dint of suppression and the incumbent government will not be able as well.
I am urging the government to stop torture, arrest drives and harassment and to release all detained party leaders and activists including AKM Shamsuddin and Advocate Mahbubur Rahman Bhutto.
