Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former Member of Parliament, issued a statement today, October 29 Professor Mia Golam Porwar condemning and protesting the attacks on Jamaat activists in Naogaon, Sonaimuri of Noakhali, and Jhenaidah districts.
In his statement, he said that on the afternoon of October 28, during an electoral courtyard meeting of female members of Jamaat-e-Islami in the Boalia area of Naogaon town, a youth named Sabbir Pappu suddenly intruded, argued with the women, and attempted to disrupt the meeting. At one point, he started attacking the gathered women.
Meanwhile, in Deoti Ward under Deoti Union of Sonaimuri Upazila in Noakhali district, a group of miscreants obstructed a Qur’an learning session organized by female activists of Jamaat-e-Islami. They vandalized chairs, harassed the women, and forcibly drove them out of the venue, thereby preventing the learning session from taking place.
In addition, on October 20, around 10 a.m., in the Uttarpara area of Jadabpur Union under Maheshpur Upazila in Jhenaidah district, when female activists went out for their regular public outreach, a group of 10 to 12 men led by local BNP leaders Afrarful, Hanif, Shahin, and Sabuj attacked them brutally with sticks and rods. As a result, eight people—including five women and three male activists—were seriously injured. The attackers also forcibly removed the veils (burqas) of several women, subjecting them to humiliation. The injured are currently undergoing treatment at the Maheshpur Upazila Health Complex.
Professor Mia Golam Porwar said that organizing and participating in electoral meetings, discussion sessions, Qur’an lessons, or any kind of assembly is a constitutional right of every citizen of this country. These barbaric attacks on female activists and the attempts to disrupt Jamaat’s peaceful programs constitute a clear violation of democratic norms and human rights. Such incidents of violence in the post-fascist period are deeply regrettable, unfortunate, and unwarranted. I strongly condemn and protest these attacks.
He further said that the attacks on female activists remind us of the fascist tactics of the Awami League era—something utterly despicable and condemnable. I call upon the BNP leadership to restrain their activists from such unpolitical and undemocratic activities. Otherwise, if the situation deteriorates further and the general public may take stand against these violent actions.
He added that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is a lawful, registered political party that believes in coexistence and upholds a systematic and democratic political approach. Jamaat-e-Islami has always conducted its activities peacefully and democratically. However, opposition political parties and their terrorists are now trying to create fear by attacking female activists.
Secretary General expressed sympathy for the male and female activists injured in these attacks and wished them a speedy recovery. He also urged all party members to remain patient and composed while continuing their organizational and democratic activities. Finally, he demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers and called upon the administration to ensure a peaceful environment for all political parties to conduct their activities.
