Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Tuesday alleged that elements within the Awami League are exploiting Monday’s fighter jet crash to destabilise the country, warning that any such efforts will be countered with the spirit of the July-August Mass Uprising.

“Not mentioning the misdeeds what Awami League did in 15 years, we would like to say clearly that there is no scope for the evil force who was defeated and ousted to re-enter Bangladesh’s politics,” he told reporters after reform talks between the National Consensus Commission (NCC) and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

He said the nation has been in a state of mourning since Monday due to the tragic crash of a fighter jet, but some evil quarters are trying to take advantage of the grief.

Dr Taher said unrest was seen on Milestone School compound on Tuesday morning and again at the Secretariat. “The entire nation stands with them (bereaved families). But it is being heard, though we are not yet fully sure, that some vested quarters within Awami League are trying to worsen the situation,” he added.

Jamaat leader Taher senses 'hidden force' behind govt's weakness

“If they (AL) start continuing to create anarchy, we, together with all others, will take necessary steps to resist them as we did in the past by upholding the spirit of July-August (mass uprising),” he warned.

The Jamaat leader said they prayed for salvation of the departed souls of those killed in the jet crash and expressed deep sympathy for their families.

They also conveyed solidarity with the injured and urged the government to ensure their proper medical treatment.

Dr Taher said top Jamaat leaders, including its Ameer, have already visited the injured and assured them of necessary assistance.