Jamaat didn't step down from BNP-led govt to save ministries from corruption: Shafiqur Rahman
The leaders in question were Jamaat’s former ameer Matiur Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, who held responsibility for three ministries during the 2001-2006 BNP-led coalition government.
As the 13th national election approaches, political tensions escalated today (29 January) as Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman accused BNP of corruption during its last term, while defending Jamaat's role, saying its leaders stayed in the BNP-led government to ensure the ministries they held remained free from corruption.
Earlier, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman had responded to Jamaat's allegations during an election rally in Mymensingh on Tuesday. "My question is: Between 2001 and 2006, two of their leaders were also part of the BNP government. If BNP was really that corrupt, why didn't they resign? The reason is that they were part of the government and were fully aware that Khaleda Zia had taken a firm stance to crack down on corruption," he said.
The leaders in question were Jamaat's former ameer Matiur Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, who held responsibility for three ministries during the 2001-2006 BNP-led coalition government.
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Defending Jamaat's previous position during a rally in Kawran Bazar today, Shafiqur Rahman said, "Some leaders now ask, 'If we were corrupt and you were virtuous, so why didn't you step down?' We did not step down precisely to save at least three ministries from corruption and protect them from misuse."
Alleging BNP of extortion, he also said, "If I am a politician and take money from people, yet insist I should not be called an extortionist, that's unfair. Stop extortion, and no one will call you an extortionist. But if you continue, you must face the consequences of that label."
He warned that if the 11-party alliance comes to power, law enforcement would be strict. "90% of extortionists will be stopped immediately. The remaining 10% will first be warned. If they do not comply, action will follow – mercilessly and without discrimination. We will not consider who their father, brother, or son is. Strict enforcement will be ensured," he said.
