After a decade and a half, Jamaat-e-Islami is resuming public activities following the withdrawal of the ban order. The party’s office has already been reopened. However, instead of engaging in political programs, the party is focusing on social activities. Following the dramatic changes on August 5th, Jamaat has held meetings with the President, the Chief Advisor, and the Army Chief. Although, on paper, the party is still banned, it seems that the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Shibir, is finally being lifted. Multiple government sources have indicated that a notification regarding this matter may be issued within a day or two. To resolve the issue of the ban and registration, Jamaat has already appointed lawyer Shishir Monir. When contacted, this Supreme Court lawyer told Manabzamin that the executive order to ban Jamaat was not issued on a fair basis. He expressed hope that the ban order would be withdrawn very soon.
Recently, during a conversation with this reporter, Jamaat’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, also expressed hope that the ban order on Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir would be withdrawn soon. After a decade and a half, Jamaat is resuming public activities, and the party’s office has already been reopened. However, instead of focusing on political programs, they are directing their attention towards social activities. After the dramatic changes on August 5th, Jamaat has held meetings with the President, the Chief Advisor, and the Army Chief. Even though the party is still officially banned, it appears that the ban on Jamaat and Shibir is finally being lifted. Several government sources have indicated that an official notification might be issued within a day or two regarding this matter. To settle the issue of the ban and registration, Jamaat has appointed lawyer Shishir Monir. When contacted, this Supreme Court lawyer told Manabzamin that the executive order to ban Jamaat was not based on justice, and they hope the order will be withdrawn very soon.
In a recent conversation with this reporter, Jamaat’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, also expressed hope that the ban order on Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir would be withdrawn soon.
He stated that Jamaat was banned to divert public attention from the anti-quota movement, but the people of Bangladesh have rejected this. Jamaat’s Secretary-General, Mia Ghulam Parwar, also called for the withdrawal of the ban order in a press conference.
On August 1st, during the final stage of the student-public movement, the government declared a ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Shibir. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification banning Jamaat, Shibir, and their other affiliated organizations under Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act. At that time, Jamaat did not show a strong reaction. Later, on August 5th, amid a popular uprising, Sheikh Hasina resigned and left for India.
