Jamaat-e-Islami Amir: We Will Stand Beside Anyone Who Feels Unsafe, Not Just Temples

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    Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Said “Right after the events of August 5, I first called upon the nation and the party members to protect temples and places of worship of people from other religions. Not just temples, but I also urged to stand beside any individual who feels insecure. We will not allow any violence to take place.”

    He made these remarks on Thursday (August 8) during a visit to Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital. After the visit, he exchanged views with temple authorities, the Puja Committee, and priests. The leaders of the committee welcomed the Jamaat leaders with flowers.

    He mentioned that in Bangladesh, whenever a crisis occurs, miscreants commit crimes and place the blame on others. He added that it is cowardly to target opponents during a crisis, but those involved in crimes must be brought to justice.

    The Jamaat-e-Islami Amir clarified, “We did not stand beside you to gain praise or political advantage. We stood beside you as human beings, as part of our civic responsibility.” He emphasized that if anyone acts outside the scope of our principles, they will be held accountable. Such incidents will not be tolerated at all.

    He stated, “This country belongs to all of us. We do not differentiate between minorities and majorities. Everyone born in Bangladesh is a proud citizen of this country. Religion cannot be a barrier to receiving civic benefits. No one can impose their religion on others.” He stressed that regardless of which party someone supports, everyone will enjoy their civic rights.

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    During the meeting, other Jamaat-e-Islami leaders present included Central Nayeb-e-Amir Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Assistant Secretary-General Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Council Member and Amir of Dhaka Metropolitan South Nurul Islam Bulbul, Nayeb-e-Amir Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Central Working Committee Member and Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Dr. Shafiqur Islam Masud, Assistant Secretaries Delwar Hossain, Kamal Hossain, and Dr. Abdul Mannan, among others.

    The meeting was chaired by Sri Basudev Dhar, President of the Central Puja Celebration Committee. Among others present were Jayanta Kumar Dev, President of the Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee; Govinda Chandra Pramanik, Secretary General of the National Hindu Mahajot; Dr. Tapas Pal, General Secretary of the Metropolitan Puja Celebration Committee; CR Mazumder, President of the Metropolitan Puja Celebration Committee; Subhasis Biswas, Joint General Secretary of the Metropolitan Puja Celebration Committee; DL Chatterjee, General Secretary of the Dhakeshwari Temple Management Committee; Rabindra Nath Bose, Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council; Sadhan Chandra Biswas, teacher; Advocate Kishore Kumar Bose Roy Chowdhury Pintu, Joint General Secretary of the Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee; Giridhari Saha, Subhashis Biswas, and others.

    Dr. Shafiqur Rahman reiterated that the country belongs to everyone and that they do not differentiate between minorities and majorities. He emphasized that everyone born in Bangladesh is a proud citizen, and religion should not be a barrier to receiving civic benefits.

    He noted that in times of crisis, miscreants often commit crimes and blame others. The Jamaat-e-Islami Amir stated that they respect people as human beings, regardless of political affiliation. He recounted the incident of the boat sinking in Panchagarh in 2022, which resulted in numerous casualties among the Hindu community. Jamaat members had gone there promptly, not to showcase sympathy but as a moral responsibility. He recalled how during the Babri Masjid demolition in India, Jamaat-e-Islami had protected Hindu temples in Bangladesh.

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    Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that right after August 5, he urged the nation and party members to guard temples and other places of worship. He emphasized that they would stand beside anyone who feels insecure and would not allow any violence to occur.

    He mentioned that currently, there is no police or traffic administration present on the streets, and their members are performing traffic duties. He called on everyone to work together to maintain peace and order until the new government takes charge. He announced that Jamaat would soon launch an emergency helpline that would be open to everyone.

    He concluded by saying that it is cowardly to target opponents during a crisis, but those involved in crimes must be brought to justice. He emphasized that Jamaat stood beside others not for praise or political gain but as a human and civic duty. He stated that if anyone acts outside their principles, they would take action and would not tolerate such incidents.

    Sri Basudev Dhar expressed his gratitude, noting that Jamaat-e-Islami played a role in protecting the temple during a national crisis. DL Chatterjee called the moment historic and emphasized the need to maintain communal harmony. Jayanta Kumar Dev welcomed the Jamaat leaders and expressed a desire for mutual support in times of need.

    Later, the Jamaat Amir visited the families of martyrs in Mirhazirbagh and held discussions with them. He acknowledged the sacrifices made and urged that the path of the martyrs be followed to bring about victory and ensure that no tyrant returns.

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    The meeting was presided over by Nurul Islam Bulbul, with other Jamaat leaders also speaking, including Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Rafiqul Islam Khan, and others.

    Afterward, the Jamaat Amir visited the homes of other martyrs and offered condolences and support to their families.

    He later prayed at the Kadamtali Noorpur Central Jame Mosque and interacted with the worshippers.

    In the morning, he visited Dhaka Medical College Hospital to meet those injured during the quota movement and assured them of necessary support. Despite their pain, the injured expressed their excitement about the new independence.

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