Jamaat chief demands immediate release of Jamaat leader Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman
The opposition leader says the case against Akhtaruzzaman is fabricated and alleges that he was protesting passenger harassment and irregularities at the airport.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman today (2 October) demanded the immediate release of former army major Akhtaruzzaman, calling for the withdrawal of what he described as a "fabricated case" against him.
In a Facebook post around 9pm, Shafiqur said Akhtaruzzaman had not physically assaulted anyone and described the allegation as completely false.
"Release freedom fighter Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman immediately. Withdraw the fabricated case. He did not physically assault anyone. This allegation is completely false. I strongly condemn and protest this," he said.
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Shafiqur said two people had been temporarily suspended following the incident, which, he claimed, indicated that there had been irregularities and mismanagement at the airport.
"He only protested against passenger harassment, the neglect of Bangladeshis returning from abroad and the unfair treatment of them. Look at what his language was. But the passengers present at the airport are witnesses to the issues he protested against," he said.
Shafiqur alleged that if Akhtaruzzaman had been arrested in a bid to suppress irregularities, passenger harassment and other problems at the airport, it would be a "warning sign".
"The affected people will not accept this under any circumstances," he said.
