Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General and former lawmaker Professor Mia Golam Porwar has issued the following statement on 7 May 2021 protesting and condemning the unjustified arrest of former Chairman of Bashkhali Upazila council and popular leader Principal Maulana Zahirul Islam.

“Claiming themselves as DB Policemen, some people picked up former Chairman of Bashkhali Upazila council and popular leader Principal Maulana Zahirul Islam on 6 May at around 8 pm from Teribazar area under Kotwali station of Chittagong. A popular public representative has been taken away by some unidentified people who claimed themselves as DB police. Maulana Zahirul Islam is traceless since the incident took place. Under the circumstances, his family, relatives and followers are in deep worries.

There was no arrest warrant or case against Maulana Zahirul Islam. It is not clear, why he has been treated in such an away. While during the holy month of Ramadan, people are supposed to be dealt softly and humanly. But instead, police are arresting innocent people and causing them sufferings. I am condemning such brutal act and ongoing arrest drive of the police forces.

The law enforcement agencies are being used as a tool of the government to oppress the general masses instead of discharging their professional duties. But torture and repression cannot bring worth result for anyone. The government cannot linger its tenure by subduing the people with dissident views.  

I am urging the concerned authorities to release all the detained leaders and activists including Maulana Zahirul Islam immediately.