Money entirely legal, intended for business purposes: Jamaat on detention of Thakurgaon ameer

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has described the detention of its Thakurgaon district ameer at Saidpur Airport with Tk50 lakh in cash as a "staged drama" and a "politically motivated act," asserting that the money was entirely legal and intended for business purposes.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said today (11 February) that the detained leader, whom he described as a senior and responsible figure in the party, had been travelling from Dhaka to Saidpur for business reasons.

"As banks were closed and due to business transaction requirements, he was carrying some cash with him. While passing through the domestic terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, he obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the appropriate authorities before boarding the flight. Yet upon arrival in Saidpur, a drama was staged," he said while speaking at an emergency press briefing at the party's central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka.

Citing what he described as evidence of the legality of carrying the cash, Zubair claimed that Group Captain Ragib Samad, executive director of the airport, had issued clearance stating there was no restriction on transporting the money on a domestic route.

Thakurgaon Jamaat ameer held with Tk74 lakh at Saidpur Airport

"He was cleared in Dhaka, but after reaching his destination, he was detained and subjected to a media trial. This is a deliberate attempt to tarnish Jamaat's image," he said.

Zubair also expressed concern over the health of the detained leader, alleging that mental harassment by law enforcement personnel had caused him to fall ill.

During the briefing, Jamaat leaders further alleged attacks on their candidates and activists in various parts of the country on the eve of the election.

Zubair claimed that the election office of Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman in the Dhaka-15 constituency had been attacked and set on fire.

He also cited incidents in Moulvibazar-1, Cumilla-4 and 8, and Barguna, alleging assaults on party activists, intimidation, and attacks on polling agents.

"Certain sections of the administration and a particular group are deliberately trying to undermine the electoral environment. In the new Bangladesh after 5 August 2024, such fascist behaviour will not be accepted by the people. Those responsible will face public backlash," he said.

Barrister Saif Uddin Khaled, a member of Jamaat's election campaign team, also addressed the media. "Use common sense - if someone had illegal or suspicious money, would they carry it through an airport with such strict and advanced security? Certainly not," he said.

He questioned how journalists or authorities could link the cash to the election without an investigation. "Jamaat's clear position is that this money has no connection whatsoever with the election. This is nothing more than a politically motivated smear campaign against the party," he added.

The briefing was also attended by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim and members of the party's election management committee. The party called on the Election Commission and the administration to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral environment.

Earlier in the day, Belal Uddin, the ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami's Thakurgaon district unit, was detained with Tk50 lakh in cash at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari, just a day before the 13th national election and referendum.

Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Sheikh Zahidul Islam confirmed that Belal was held at the airport earlier today (11 February). Further investigation is underway, he added.

Police said they were also examining several documents recovered with the cash at the time of his detention, which has sparked discussion on social media.