Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest rally in the capital on Sunday, condemning what it described as a joint attack by Israel and the United States on Iran and alleging the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
The demonstration began after Zuhr prayers from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Sunday. The rally was presided over by Nurul Islam Bulbul, ameer of Jamaat’s Dhaka South unit.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam said the alleged aggression against Iran was not only an attack on a single country but also on democracy, human rights and humanity. He claimed that Israel, backed by foreign powers, had been carrying out repeated attacks on Iran.
Despite prolonged economic sanctions and military pressure, Iran’s progress could not be halted, he said, urging peace-loving nations to unite against what he termed aggression.
Azharul Islam also questioned the role of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling for an immediate end to the conflict. He said the UN was established to ensure global peace but alleged that it was now serving the interests of a few powerful countries.
He urged the OIC to play a more active role, saying it had failed to fulfill its responsibilities adequately. Prolonged instability in the Middle East could negatively impact the global economy, including Bangladesh, potentially driving up fuel and essential commodity prices, he added.
Referring to Israel, he warned that continued attacks on Iran could lead to renewed calls for boycotting Israeli products.
Highlighting domestic issues, Azharul Islam also raised concerns over the recent national parliamentary election, alleging irregularities. He said the party had accepted the results in the greater national interest but claimed that its leaders and activists had faced attacks in the post-election period.
He demanded the swift arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of a Jamaat activist in Jibannagar, Chuadanga. Failing that, he warned, the party would be compelled to launch street programs.
Other speakers at the rally said Jamaat would remain active both in parliament and on the streets—supporting government initiatives they consider positive while protesting what they see as injustices.
Among others present were Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rashedul Islam Khan and central publicity secretary Advocate Fazlur Rahman Akn, along with central and city-level leaders and activists.
After the rally, party leaders and activists brought out a procession from Baitul Mukarram’s north gate, marching through Paltan and Bijoynagar to Shantinagar.
