Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Acting Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 15th October 2023 protesting and condemning the unjustified arrests of 60 Jamaat leaders and activists from various places of the country including 40 from Begumganj Upazila of Noakhali district.

Begumganj Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami organized a view exchanging program in an open-air yard in Anantapur village ahead of the national election. Begumganj thana police arrested 40 people from there including the general villagers. Police also arrested 3 activists from the procession of Dhaka city Jamaat today and another 9 activists of various places of Mymensingh city this evening.

National election is going to take place soon. It is very natural that all election oriented all political parties will exchange views with the general masses as a part of a meaningful, acceptable and participatory election. This kind of grassroots program is a natural mean to bolster democracy. So, arresting people from such an event is really unexpected. I am condemning the undemocratic and tyrannical activities of the government.

We are calling upon the countrymen to raise voice against the undemocratic activities of the government. I am urging the government to release all 60 Jamaat men along with Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, other leaders and religious scholars, to withdraw all false cases and also to restore caretaker government system immediately.