Jamaat-e-Islami Fears Return of Military Rule in Bangladesh

Darwin, 14 August– In light of the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has expressed concern about the potential recurrence of another “One-Eleven” (1/11) scenario.

He called on political parties and the government to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Speaking at a party rally in Bijoynagar, Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon, Taher made these remarks. The rally and protest were organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North and South city units, demanding legal recognition of the “July Declaration” and the “July Charter” and that the upcoming national elections be held accordingly.

Addressing political parties, Taher said:
“Don’t drive the country into uncertainty. Don’t stand against the people. Don’t create another 1/11 situation.”

Urging dialogue, he said:
“Let’s sit for talks. We urge the government to sit with political parties. We appeal to all political groups to join in an inter-party dialogue.”

To the government, he said:
“Jamaat-e-Islami wants to participate in the elections. But before that, the issues surrounding a fair election must be clarified publicly. A joyful, transparent election environment must be established.”

Following the end of BNP’s tenure in 2006, political conflict escalated when then-President Iajuddin Ahmed took over as chief of the caretaker government. The situation deteriorated, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency on January 11, 2007, and the formation of a military-backed caretaker government led by Fakhruddin Ahmed.

This episode is historically remembered as the “One-Eleven” or 1/11 in Bangladesh’s political history.

Recently, government information advisor Mahfuz Alam also warned of a possible return to a 1/11-type situation in a Facebook post, though he later deleted it.

“Foreign-designed” Election Plot Underway

Taher stated:
“We want elections, not selections. There’s a conspiracy to snatch away people’s voting rights again by holding elections under a specific design. If this type of foreign-influenced election takes place, then the people of Bangladesh will fight with their blood to achieve a fair election, InshAllah.”

He added:
“We want to responsibly work together to ensure a free, fair, and participatory election. Some say by participatory, we mean the Awami League. No. We mean participation of the people.”

Taher warned that if a fair election doesn’t happen this time, both Bangladesh and its independence will be at stake.

“So, all politicians must show wisdom. Let’s unite to create a proper electoral environment through discussions for the sake of the nation.”

Addressing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (he referred to her by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s name, possibly in a mix-up or rhetorical dig), Taher said:
“You said in Malaysia too that fair elections are a basic duty. Then create a level playing field. Give legal legitimacy to the reforms.”

Reforms Lack Legal Endorsement

Criticizing the July Declaration, he said:
“Only one party congratulated it, others called it ‘positive’ but added ‘ifs’ – if this is done, or that is done. So, the majority of the parties have not accepted this declaration unequivocally.”

According to Taher, the government has not truly committed to reforms:
“After agreeing on everything, they now say there’s no legal basis. Then what kind of reform is this?”

He compared faith to reform, saying:
“There are three parts of faith: belief, declaration, and implementation. Similarly, reforms have three parts – consensus, legal status, and implementation. The government has verbally agreed but has not done the other two. So, have they truly accepted the reforms?”

“We demand that reforms be implemented through law, and elections be held under such legal reforms,” he said.

“There’s Something Fishy”

Indirectly referring to the BNP, Taher said:
“Some of our friends say they will carry out reforms once they’re in Parliament. If so, why not do it now? Clearly, something is fishy.”

He continued,
“The people do not want another controversial election with this dark cloud hanging over it.”

Without naming BNP, he hinted they may have already been promised power:
“Some say they’ll implement reforms once they’re in power. So have they already been promised that power? If one party is assured power beforehand, what kind of election will that be?”

Citing a survey that showed 71% of people support the Proportional Representation (PR) system, Taher said:
“Even if some politicians don’t understand PR, the people do. If not, how did 71% support it? And if the people want it, who has the right to oppose it? Democracy reflects the will of the majority.”

He concluded,
“The people of this country have overthrown autocrats like Hasina before, and they will again play a historic role in building a nation that ensures people’s rights.”

The rally was presided over by Nurul Islam Bulbul, Ameer of Jamaat’s Dhaka South unit. Other speakers included Assistant Secretary Generals Rafiqul Islam Khan and Abdul Halim, Dhaka North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, and Executive Member Mobarak Hossain.