Yunus-Modi meeting a positive sign for politics: Jamaat leader Parwar

The bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of Bimstec Summit in Bangkok is a positive development for Bangladesh's political landscape, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said today (5 April).

"While diplomatic relations with India remained stable during the interim government period, political ties were strained. Bilateral relations should be based on equality and fairness," he said while speaking at a party workers' conference at Eidgah field in Khulna's Aranghata.

"However, India has frequently displayed a domineering attitude, dodging critical issues like border killings, the Teesta water-sharing agreement, and minority rights," Parwar added.

The Jamaat leader emphasised that the people of India are not enemies, but he claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is an "extremely communal party."

Referring to India in the context of sheltering ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, "During the July-August movement last year, the fascist regime led by Sheikh Hasina was responsible for the deaths of over 2,000 protesters and injuries to more than 30,000 people. It is unacceptable for any democratic nation to provide refuge to such a criminal."

Parwar further said the youth-led movement, driven by a dream for a new Bangladesh, has Jamaat's full support. "If we fail to build a just and independent nation free from past oppression, the dreams of our future generation will go in vain."

Regarding Jamaat's participation in the upcoming national election, the secretary general said, "The three pillars of the Liberation War are equality, justice, and humanity. Jamaat-e-Islami embodies these principles in building the future of Bangladesh.

"If the people entrust us with this responsibility, we will serve as true representatives, not oppressors."