BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Thursday alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami is behind most of the wrongdoings currently taking place across various sectors in Bangladesh.
“If I mention the name, everyone will recognise them. They can never retain the trust and confidence of the people. They have no significant public support, let alone any chance of forming a government. They exploit Islam while acting against it. In politics, they have nothing except lies. That group is Jamaat-e-Islami,” Dudu said.
He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the 18th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Pharmacy Association (BNPA).
Dudu said there is a group that “cannot think beyond falsehood.”
Referring to the recent measles outbreak, he said many children have already died from the disease. “We learned through newspapers that UNICEF had warned the then government five times in writing. But that government ignored the issue. This measles situation is one of many failures of the Awami League era,” he said.
“The failures of the Awami League and the interim government are now falling on BNP’s shoulders,” he added. Dudu said BNP has already taken several steps to address the issue.
“Still, a disease that we had once eliminated has re-emerged because of failures. The government should address the matter urgently. Pharmacists also have a vital service-oriented role in this regard,” he said.
Recalling the Liberation War, Dudu said the people of Bangladesh understood in 1971 what was necessary for independence.
“Even farmers, workers, and ordinary citizens realised that Pakistan would not survive and that liberation was inevitable. But one group desperately tried to save Pakistan. The force that committed the highest number of killings and atrocities against women and freedom fighters was Jamaat-e-Islami,” he alleged.
He added that Jamaat had historically failed to take the correct political position, siding with Pakistan during the Liberation War instead of supporting Bangladesh.
“When they speak about the welfare of the country wearing a mask, they are actually trying to hide their true character. We must remain alert,” he said.
Dudu also alleged that certain groups are creating divisions among people through social media and propaganda. He claimed some groups previously dominated educational institutions and benefited from political appointments in universities.
He urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant and strengthen the hands of BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
