Jamaat behind most wrongdoings in Bangladesh: Shamsuzzaman Dudu

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu today (21 May) alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami is behind most wrongdoings taking place in different sectors in Bangladesh.

“If I mention the name, everyone will recognise them. They cannot enjoy the trust and confidence of people. They have no significant public support or any chance of forming a government. They use Islam but act against Islam. In politics, they have nothing except lies. That group is Jamaat-e-Islami,” he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 18th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Pharmacy Association (BNPA).

Shamsuzzaman said there is a group that “cannot think beyond falsehood.”

Referring to the recent measles outbreak, he said many children have already died from the disease.

“We learned through newspapers that Unicef had warned the then government five times in writing. But that government ignored the issue. This measles situation is one of the many failures of the Awami League era,” he said.

“The failures of the Awami League and the interim government are now falling on BNP’s shoulders,” he added.

Shamsuzzaman said BNP has already taken several steps to address the issue.

“Still, a disease we had once eliminated has re-emerged due to failures. The government should address the matter very seriously on an emergency basis. Pharmacists also have an important service-oriented role in this regard,” he said.

Referring to the Liberation War, he said people of Bangladesh understood in 1971 what was necessary for independence.

“Even farmers, workers, and ordinary people understood that Pakistan would not survive and that liberation was inevitable. But one group desperately tried to save Pakistan. The force that committed the highest number of killings and atrocities against women and freedom fighters was Jamaat-e-Islami,” he alleged.

He said Jamaat had failed to take the correct political position and sided with Pakistan during the Liberation War instead of supporting Bangladesh.

“When they speak about the welfare of the country wearing a mask, they try to hide their true character. We must remain alert,” he said.

Shamsuzzaman also alleged that certain groups are creating divisions among people through social media and propaganda.

He said some groups earlier dominated educational institutions and benefited from political appointments in universities.

He urged party leaders and activists to remain cautious and strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.