Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 15 December 2018 condemning the untrue statement of US Congressman Jim Banks against Jamaat-e-Islami.

“Several news paper and online media have published news today referring the comment of US Congressman Jim Banks against Jamaat-e-Islami. The news have drawn our attention. We even do not know that whether he has delivered any such comment or not. But if he really did so, we are condemning it vehemently.

Regarding the reports which quoted his remarks, I want to assert that since the beginning, Jamaat-e-Islami has been trying to uphold democratic practices and also institutionalize these norms. Jamaat-e-Islami has taken part in democratic movements and also worked hard to oust the tyrannical regime. In the recent past, Jamaat has participated in all parliament elections and significant number of Jamaat backed candidates have won these elections and played pivotal role to bolster the parliamentary democracy. At present, Jamaat is going to take part in the upcoming national election, with the symbol of ‘Sheaf of Paddy’. No leaders or activists of Jamaat-e-Islami had ever attacked on minorities and their establishments. The present government and their supporters are intentionally accusing Jamaat of such crimes. US Congressman Jim Banks may be misguided by such propaganda.

I am urging the US Congressmen to come and visit the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami directly.

I am also requesting US Congressman Jim Banks to be refrained from delivering false and baseless speeches against Jamaat-e-Islami.”