Prime minister’s political adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that numerous “hidden extortionists” have taken refuge within the ranks of Jamaat-e-Islami.
Speaking at a discussion meeting on Sunday noon at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club, the senior BNP leader accused the party of masking criminal activities with religious terminology,.
The event, titled “Zia in Resisting Cultural Aggression,” was organised by the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) to mark the 45th death anniversary of the late President Ziaur Rahman.
Rizvi claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami activists use Arabic terms to provide a “cover” for extortion. “You use an Arabic word for extortion. Instead of calling it extortion, you call it ‘Hadia-baji’ or ‘Iyanat-baji,'” he remarked, adding that there is ample evidence of threats being used to collect these funds.
The BNP leader cited specific instances, including the apprehension of two Jamaat leaders, identified as Jahangir and Rabiul, while they were allegedly extracting sand from the Feni River in Mirsarai.
He further mentioned reports of a ‘Rokun’ (a high-level member) in Feni who allegedly took money from individuals by promising them exemption from legal cases. “I have only mentioned two or three names; there are countless others,” Rizvi said, questioning how the party could claim to be “purified” or “angels” when such individuals remain in their organisational structure,.
Comparison with BNP Contrasting this with his own party’s actions, Rizvi stated that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has taken a “firm hand” against any misconduct since 5 August.
He claimed that hundreds of BNP leaders and activists—from high-ranking officials to grassroots workers—have been expelled or served show-cause notices for involvement in controversial activities. In contrast, he alleged that Jamaat only takes action against its members when their misdeeds are exposed in the newspapers.
The BNP leader further asserted that while the people of Bangladesh are “God-fearing,” they do not support Jamaat-e-Islami. He accused the party of “religion business” and “selling tickets to heaven” to deceive the public.
“The people of this country have never liked selling the name of religion… On one hand, they dislike Jamaat for its religious business, and on the other, they dislike the actions of Awami League’s associates who rebel against religion,” Rizvi maintained.
Addressing the members of Jasas, Rizvi emphasised the need to practice and promote culture rooted in the soil of Bangladesh. While stating there is no harm in adopting global cultural achievements, such as European philosophy or international music, he warned against “aggressive powers”.
“It is the responsibility of the nationalist forces and their cultural organisations to resist any conspiracy by any superpower or aggressive force aimed at destroying our own soil-rooted culture,” he said.
The meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including Jasas Joint Convener Anisul Islam Sunny, Member Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon, BNP Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ujjal, and Assistant Secretary Sayeed Sohrab. Other participants included Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu, Tanti Dal Convener Abul Kalm Azad, and Jasas leaders Liaquat Ali Lucky, Ferdous Fakir, Javed Ahmed Kislu, Khaleduzzaman Jewel, Farhad Hossain Neon, and Rafiza Alam Lucky.
