Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General and former lawmaker Professor Mia Golam Porwar has issued the following statement on 10 May 2021 protesting and condemning the unjustified arrest of Sirajganj district’s Ullapara Upazila Jamaat Ameer Professor Shahjahan Ali.

“On last 9 May, police have arrested Sirajganj district’s Ullapara Upazila Jamaat Ameer and UllaparaUpazila council’s former Vice Chairman Professor Shahjahan Ali from Boalia Bazar Mosque while he was praying his Tarabih prayer. The night was being observed as one of the blessed nights of Liatul Qadr. Like all other Muslim devotees, he was performing his prayers. But at that time, police have obstructed and subsequently arrested him- which is really a painful and shameful incident. I am severely condemning such unjustifiable arrests of the police forces.

There was no arrest warrant against him. So, the reason behind his arrest is not obvious. While, in this holy month of Ramadan, people are supposed to be treated softly and humanly but instead of doing so, police are detaining innocent people and causing great trouble for them and their families. Such arrest drive and unjust crackdown is really unbearable.

The law enforcers are supposed to protect public lives and properties. But reversely, the government is using them as a tool of repression. But no government can stay longer by such oppression and torture. Such oppressive policy will not bring good result for anybody.

I am urging the concerned authorities to release all detained leaders and activists including Professor Shahjahan Ali immediately.

In another statement, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan said, it has become a routine work of the government to harass the Muslim devotees during the holy month of Ramadan. Since the beginning of this sacred month, police have been arresting the leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the general people.

By arresting Professor Shahjanan Ali in the night of Lilatul Qdar, the government has proved that the people have no rights to practice and exercise his/her religious rights. I am condemning the ongoing arrest drive of the police forces and urging the concerned authorities to release all detained leaders and activists including Professor Shahjahan Ali immediately.