Jamaat slams Minister Rabiul's remarks on transport 'extortion', demands statement withdrawal
If the government fails in this duty, Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Zubair warned, "A united resistance would be built with the people to oppose extortionists and compel the government to take action."
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair strongly condemned comments by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, alleging that his recent comments appeared to validate extortion in the name of "compromise".
"I strongly condemn such undesirable, inappropriate, and unethical remarks," said Zubair in a statement issued today (21 February).
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Zubair, also the head of the party's central publicity and media department, further stated that extortion is a criminal offense and poses a serious threat to society, the economy, and the rule of law.
"If a responsible minister's remarks suggest that illegal collection of money or unethical compromises are acceptable, it would be a disgrace to the state." read the statement.
Zubair also warned, "Such implicit validation could encourage offenders to commit not only extortion but other crimes as well, ultimately undermining law and order and depriving citizens of justice, transparency, and accountability."
Reacting to the minister's remarks, the statement emphasised that the government's responsibility is to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against extortion and corruption and to take visible and effective action against those involved.
On behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami, the statement also called on the government regarding the withdrawal of the minister's remarks, for him provide a clear explanation to the public, and refrain from making such statements in the future along with declaring an uncompromising stance against extortion, corruption, and irregularities.
He further demanded, "The government must ensure safety of citizens' lives and property by stopping extortion," describing it as a constitutional obligation.
If the government fails in this duty, he warned, "A united resistance would be built with the people to oppose extortionists and compel the government to take action."
The statement also called upon the citizens of Bangladesh to remain aware and united in the pursuit of justice and the rule of law.
