Jamaat rejects Islami Andolan leader's allegation of 'deviation from Islamic ideals'
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today (16 January) dismissed the remarks by an Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader alleging that Jamaat had deviated from Islamic ideals, describing the comments as incorrect and misleading.
In a statement, Advocate Zubair, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami and head of its central publicity and media department, responded to comments allegedly made by Gazi Ataur Rahman, joint secretary general and spokesperson of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, at a press conference earlier in the day.
Zubair said Gazi Ataur Rahman's assertion that "Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has deviated from the laws of Allah and Islamic ideals" was unfounded.
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"We believe such remarks were made with the intention of creating confusion among the public," Zubair added.
"Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is an Islamic organisation run in line with the ideals of Allah and His Messenger [PBUH]," the statement read.
At a press briefing today, Gazi Ataur alleged that Jamaat has abandoned its core slogan of "Allah's law and rule by honest people" in a bid to appease secular and international forces.
"We observed with disbelief that the Jamaat ameer clearly stated they would govern the state according to prevailing laws if they came to power. He even reassured representatives of the Christian community that Sharia law would not be established. If the primary Islamic force moves away from Islamic ideals for political gain, the dreams of millions of activists will remain unfulfilled," Gazi Ataur said.
Responding to another allegation, Zubair said Jamaat-e-Islami consistently maintains political decorum and engages with all political parties based on mutual respect.
"We do not engage in behaviour that is inconsistent with political etiquette towards anyone," he said.
Calling for restraint, Advocate Zubair urged Gazi Ataur Rahman to avoid remarks that could mislead the public.
"I call upon Gazi Ataur Rahman to refrain from making statements that create confusion among the public," he added.
