19 January 2025, Sun

Matiur Rahman Akanda condemns Hafiz Ibrahim’s Remarks About Jamaat-e-Islami

Central executive council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and party’s media and publicity Secretary Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda issued a statement on January 19 condemning and protesting the comments made by BNP’s National Executive Committee member and former MP of Bhola-2, Hafiz Ibrahim, on January 18. Ibrahim claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the war of independence and was involved in the killing and dishonoring of mothers and sisters during the war.

In his statement, Akand categorically rejected Ibrahim's allegations, calling them baseless and false, stating, "There is not a shred of truth in his claims. His statements are purely fabricated and do not reflect any court-proven facts about Jamaat-e-Islami or its leaders."

He further emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami had actively participated in all national elections from 1979 to 2008, excluding the unilateral elections of March 1988 and February 1996. Jamaat secured significant parliamentary seats and played important roles in the National Parliament. In 1991, Jamaat won 18 seats and offered unconditional support to BNP to form a government. Subsequently, in the 2001 general elections, Jamaat, in alliance with BNP, won 17 seats and became part of the government, holding two ministerial positions. Akanda reiterated that Jamaat has always been working for the welfare of the nation and its people.

Akand criticized Hafiz Ibrahim’s remarks as damaging to his own reputation and that of his party, urging him to refrain from making unsubstantiated and false statements about Jamaat-e-Islami for the sake of his dignity. He called on Ibrahim to cease making baseless accusations to uphold mutual respect and political decency.