NEW DELHI: In a decisive move expected to stir significant political and social upheaval, the Awami League-led 14-party alliance has announced a ban on the radical group Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Chhatra Shibir. The decision, which comes amidst rising tensions and ongoing unrest, is rooted in the group’s alleged involvement in violent actions and historical opposition to Bangladesh’s independence.
The announcement was made during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her residence. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader confirmed the ban, citing Jamaat-e-Islami’s involvement in hijacking a recent student protest, which reportedly led to the deaths of over 200 people according to reports. This violent episode was presented as a key reason for the ban, alongside the group’s historical opposition to Bangladesh’s 1971 independence movement.
The radical group’s antagonistic stance towards Bangladesh’s independence and its support for the Pakistani Army during the liberation war has long been a point of contention with the Awami League. Jamaat-e-Islami’s opposition to the country’s independence and its controversial role during the 1971 Liberation War has fuelled enmity between the party and the current ruling regime.
Jamaat-e-Islami has been banned from contesting elections since a 2008 high court verdict, yet it continued to exert political influence by supporting the Bangladesh National Party-led opposition alliance. The ban on Jamaat and Chhatra Shibir is seen as an extension of this ongoing political and ideological conflict.
Obaidul Quader said that the alliance has agreed to ban Jamaat-Shibir politics on the charges of killing common people and destroying state properties by creating ruckus and dangerous environment.
Rashed Khan Menon, a prominent leader within the alliance and president of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, emphasized the unanimous decision, adding that now it is the government’s duty and responsibility to execute it.
The decision has drawn attention to Jamaat-e-Islami’s controversial history, including rulings by the International Crimes Tribunal that convicted the group for its role in atrocities committed during the 1971 war. The tribunal’s judgments revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami was instrumental in forming auxiliary forces for the Pakistani occupation army, such as Al-Badr, Razakar, Al Shams, and the Peace Committee, which were involved in numerous war crimes against the Bengali population.
The ban is likely to impact the political landscape in Bangladesh significantly and may lead to further demonstrations and unrest. The Awami League’s move to outlaw Jamaat-e-Islami and Chhatra Shibir underscores the ongoing polarization in Bangladeshi politics and the enduring legacy of the country’s struggle for independence.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, released a statement condemning and protesting the decision to ban Jamaat-e-Islami. It also termed the decision unconstitutional, saying one political party or alliance cannot make decisions about another political party.
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