United News of Bangladesh

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has revealed the difficult experiences endured by many religious scholars, including himself, during their time in detention at the "Ayanaghar" (secret detention center). He was addressing a gathering at an Iftar meeting organised for orphans and religious scholars at a restaurant in Dhaka’s Mirpur on Sunday. Jamaat Ameer shared his personal experience of being detained at the Ayanaghar, stating, "I have personally seen the Ayanaghar. Many respected scholars, like myself, were held there in secret. Their families had no idea about their whereabouts, and the detainees themselves were unaware of where they were held." He recounted the time of his last arrest, which occurred on December 12, 2022, at 3 am, when members of the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit took him into custody. "On a cold winter night, I was taken away in just one piece of clothing by CTTC personnel. There, I saw numerous scholars who had been detained under similar circumstances. Their families did not know where they were, and even those in detention had no idea about their location," Shafiqur added. “No majority-minority”: Jamaat Ameer He continued, "After a few days, I was taken to court, but not presented before a judge. I was then moved from the court's detention cell to Keraniganj Jail, and later to Kashimpur Jail. I was accompanied by around 30 scholars, all handcuffed and shackled, as we were taken to prison." The Jamaat leader further said, "After 15 years of harsh regime, people from all walks of life have risen in a united movement. After many sacrifices, a change took place on August 5, which signifies a shift toward a better society.” Dhaka North City Ameer, Md. Selim Uddin, also addressed the gathering, speaking to the orphans and scholars present at the event. Several others also shared their thoughts, representing orphans and scholars at the Iftar event.

Necessary reforms to the country's overall structure must be carried out first, followed by a free and fair election, said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a public rally organized by Narsingdi district Jamaat at the grounds of Satirpara Kali Kumar Institution School and College on Friday afternoon. "There will definitely be an election in this country, but it cannot be held in any haphazard manner. We want a proper election, a fair election. But before the election, the voter list must be revised. Fake voters must be removed, deceased voters' names must be excluded, and all eligible individuals must be included," he said. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "You have noticed that from the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to district, upazila, and union-level offices, all have been locked down. Jamaat is the only party whose registration has been revoked. It is unfortunate that fascism has seemingly stepped back, yet we have not regained our registration. We are still continuing the legal battle to reclaim it." Abbas calls out Jamaat's delaying tactics over next national election He further said, "Many leaders arrested in false cases have been released one by one. However, it is regrettable that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's then Acting Secretary ATM Azharul Islam is still in prison. The public demands his immediate release." The Jamaat Ameer also said, "Every perpetrator of genocide must be apprehended and handed over to a tribunal, whether they are at home or abroad." Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated, "This is the month of the Language Movement. We remember with deep respect those who gave their lives this month. May Allah accept them as martyrs.” The public rally was presided over by Narsingdi district Jamaat Ameer Prof. Md. Moslehuddin. Special guests at the event included Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Central Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Council member Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Working Committee members AFM Abdus Sattar, Abdul Jabbar, Maulana Abdul Mannan, and Advocate Mashiul Alam.

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday called for unity among all anti-fascist political parties to build a “new Bangladesh” driven by the aspirations of the youth who are fighting for freedom with the spirit of the 2024 Liberation War. Speaking at the 12th General Council session of Khelafat Majlish held at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital in the morning, the Jamaat Ameer stressed the importance of collective action to establish a democratic future for the nation. No compromise on national unity: Jamaat Ameer  “Bangladesh will move forward according to the aspirations of the youth participating in the Liberation War of 2024. In the new Bangladesh, all anti-fascist political parties will stand united,” he said. The Jamaat chief, however, lamented, "Over the past decade and a half, the nation’s Islamic scholars have been subjected to unprecedented levels of injustice and vendetta in the country." Leaders and activists from various Islamic political organisations joined the conference. AL's accomplices tasked with destabilising country: Jamaat Ameer