Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Acting Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 31st July 2023 protesting and condemning the arrests of around 500 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami including Sirajganj district Jamaat secretary Professor Jahidul Islam and Joypurhat district secretary Maulana Golam Kibria Mondol through massive arrest drive in last 5 days.

“3 days of peaceful programs were declared by Jamaat-e-Islami on last 24th July. We have been observing that police have conducted raid and massive arrest drive in the houses of Jamaat leaders and activists nationwide in order to foil the pre-declared programs. As a part of the crackdown, Sirajganj district Jamaat secretary Professor Jahidul Islam, Joypurhat district secretary Maulana Golam Kibria Mondol and Sirajganj district Sramik Kollan Federation secretary Solaiman Hossain have been arrested on 30th July. Police also arrested Dinajpur Sadar Upazila Jamaat’s working committee member Maulana Habibullah Belali and Maulana Moksedul Islam and 4 others. Police also raided the house of Bogra district Jamaat activists, vandalized furniture and seized two phones. Police also arrested 3 Jamaat activists during the raid. From last 27th July to 31st July, in these 5 days, the law enforcers have arrested more than 500 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami. I am vehemently condemning the arrest drives of the government.

The entire nation is united against the fascist government and also for attaining the demand of restoring the caretaker government system. By participating Jamaat’s peaceful program peacefully, the countrymen have expressed their no confidence upon the government. This government has no moral rights to stay in office anymore.

I am urging the concerned authorities to release all detained leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami including Sirajganj district Jamaat secretary Professor Jahidul Islam and Joypurhat district secretary Maulana Golam Kibria Mondol immediately. Besides, we are calling upon the government to step down and also to establish the caretaker government system in order to hold a free, fair and credible election.