Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh has staged a demonstration against the present interim government’s decision to allow a UN Human Rights Commission office in Bangladesh on Friday.
Hundreds of Jamiat leaders and activists held the protest rally at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital after which the protesters marched towards Paltan, where the procession came to an end.
Addressing the rally, Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam Secretary General Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi said, “This interim government cannot take such an anti-state decision like establishing the UN Human Rights Commission’s office without any discussion with political parties.”
Maulana Afendi also questioned the UN’s global credibility, pointing to its “inaction” during human rights violations in Gaza.
“The UN issues statements of concern but takes no effective steps. This reflects a double standard,” he said.
Raising questions about the role of the United Nations, he said, “During human rights violations in Gaza, the UN merely issues statements expressing concern but takes no effective action. This is proof of its biased conduct.”
Addressing the issue of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Jamiat leader issued a cautionary note, suggesting that any effort to alter the religious composition of the region would spark resistance.
“If any trap has been set to turn the Hill Tracts into a Christian state, it will be met with the same force as in ’71 and ’24,” he warned.
The protest concluded with demands for the government to immediately cancel its decision to allow the UNHRC to open a country office.