Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has criticised Jamaat’s role during the 1971 Liberation War, citing its opposition to Bangladesh’s independence and its “opportunistic” role in politics, while also pointing out that the party’s manifesto contains no commitment to establishing Sharia or an Islamic social system.
Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in Parliament on Sunday night, the minister said, “Although they speak of Islam verbally, there is no commitment anywhere in their manifesto to establish Sharia law or an Islamic social system.”
Describing Jamaat as a “branch of an international organisation,” the home minister presented the party’s election manifesto in Parliament and noted that nowhere in it is there any mention of implementing Sharia, establishing an Islamic state, or an Islamic economy.
He also criticised the party’s education policy, saying it only mentions modernisation of madrasa education while the majority of the country’s students study in primary and general high schools.
Salahuddin Ahmed further added that Jamaat-e-Islami, founded in Lahore in 1941, did not want Pakistan in 1947 and did not want Bangladesh in 1971. He recalled that Jamaat leaders served as ministers in the cabinet of Governor Malik, acting as local collaborators during the Liberation War.
Refuting opposition allegations of deteriorating law and order, Salahuddin Ahmed claimed that the situation has improved compared to the past. Citing recent high-profile cases, he said police are now acting swiftly, arresting the accused and submitting chargesheets in the shortest possible time.
The home minister defended the Tk9.37 lakh crore budget, saying it aims to free the country from dependency and make it self-reliant. He also spoke of the government’s determination to implement mega projects like the Teesta project and Padma Barrage.
Giving a strong response to the controversy over Islami Bank and Ibn Sina Trust share sales, Salahuddin claimed that Tk10,527 crore was disbursed from Islami Bank between August 2024 and January 2026 on political considerations.
He also alleged that a huge number of shares of Ibn Sina Pharmaceuticals were sold at nominal prices, claiming to have documented evidence.
