BNP’s allegations of forming peace committees ‘sign of illness’: Jamaat
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair today dismissed BNP’s allegations of Jamaat forming “peace committees” in neighbourhoods, calling them a “sign of illness.”
“These absurd allegations cannot come from a healthy mind. No sound party or individual would make such claims. A group of people, seeing the overwhelming public support for us, are speaking out in fear. This is not a sign of wellness. We pray for their well-being,” said Zubair, who also heads Jamaat’s central publicity and media department.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Zubair made the remarks while speaking to reporters after submitting a memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner regarding attacks on Jamaat’s female activists across the country. Leaders of Jamaat’s women’s wing were present at the event.
Earlier in the day, a four-member BNP delegation met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, two election commissioners, and the EC’s senior secretary. During the talks, the BNP delegation raised concerns over reports of “peace committees” being formed in different areas.
On the issue of campaigning at religious institutions, Zubair said, “You all can see where and what we do. None of our campaigns takes place in the darkness of night. All are conducted in broad daylight.”
He alleged that Jamaat’s female activists, while campaigning door-to-door, faced harassment in various forms, including cyberbullying and physical assault. “Their hijabs and niqabs were forcibly removed, and they continue to receive threats,” he said.
“We have reported these incidents locally as well as to law enforcement authorities and the Election Commission,” Zubair added.
Expressing concern, he said repeated incidents have left women in Bangladesh anxious. “A proper environment is necessary for a free, fair, and peaceful election. Half of our voters are women. Ensuring their safety is the responsibility of the government and the Election Commission,” he emphasised.
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