'I am Shahjahan Chowdhury, the sun will wait for me': Ctg Jamaat leader Shahjahan

A statement by Jamaat-e-Islami central working committee member and Chattogram-15 (Satkania-Lohagara) constituency candidate Shahjahan Chowdhury has triggered widespread criticism on social media.

In a 1-minute and 53-second video that went viral on Facebook today (27 November), Shahjahan Chowdhury can be heard saying, "Allah is there for me. By the grace of Allah, the sun will wait for me. The Almighty has given me such dignity."

According to local leaders and activists, the remarks were made during a campaign in the Tulatali area of Charati Union in Satkania on 13 November. The video's circulation on social media has since sparked intense debate. 

Jamaat issues show-cause notice to Shahjahan over remarks on controlling administration

In the video, Shahjahan Chowdhury also stated, "For the sake of Allah, don't exaggerate. I am hearing that many people are talking rubbish. Be careful, I am Shahjahan Chowdhury. Those who don't know me still live under the ground… My tears were not in vain."

He further referred to the political landscape of Satkania-Lohagara, claiming, "There is no politics here, no symbol. The symbol of Satkania-Lohagara is one—the scale symbol." 

Speaking emotionally, he added, "If I shed tears, they all will be crippled. I have suffered a lot. I have served nine years in jail over 18 years… A two-time MP, I have never taken a single piece of land."

Administration will rise, sit, arrest, file cases 'at our command': Jamaat leader Shahjahan goes viral, party demands explanation

This is not the first time Shahjahan Chowdhury has faced criticism for his statements. 

During a conference organised by Jamaat at the GEC Convention Hall on Saturday (22 November), Shahjahan Chowdhury said the administration in every electoral area must "rise and sit, make arrests and file cases" on Jamaat's orders.

Following that speech, Jamaat-e-Islami issued him a show cause notice on Tuesday, giving him seven days to respond. The party has warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in disciplinary action under the party constitution.