Promising ‘new dimension’ in the country’s political arena, former leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, including those expelled for demanding the party's reformation, have announced a ‘non-religious’ political party.
Jamaat’s expelled leader Mojibur Rahman Monju, coordinator of the new party initially called, Jono Aakankhyar Bangladesh (Bangladesh of the people’s expectation), made the announcement, claiming the party will not be religion-based.
While briefing the media about the move at a Dhaka hotel on Saturday, he said: “Our organisation will not be run based on any religion.
“It it will not operate on any ideology following a certain theory, either. And, we will welcome anyone interested to work with us,” he said, adding, the party will soon get another name.
Monju, a former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat, also said: “Our organisation is open for all. People supporting different political parties, and with various ideologies are contacting us.”
But the party did not form any central committee.
Confirming that five bodies, including those for political and organisational affairs, have been constituted, Monju hinted that the committees might possibly be formed within three months.
Jamaat, which lost its registration as a political party before the 11th general election, removed Monju as a member of its Dhaka metropolitan unit’s policymaking body Majlis-e-Shura, on February 15, for demanding Jamaat’s reformation.
Monju also claimed, they did not consult floating the party with Jamaat’s former assistant secretary general Barrister Abdur Razzaq, who quit over reform issues within the party.
Size of the party
Despite being asked repeatedly about the size of organisation, Monju declined to comment. But, on Friday, he told that Dhaka Tribune that the party will be a nationwide one.
Meanwhile, party insiders say that at least 30 former Jamaat leaders had joined them, with many saying that a number of pro-reformist BNP leaders have already engaged with the new party.
Former BNP minister Nazimuddin Al-Azad, Jamaat’s lawyer at the war crimes tribunal, Tajul Islam, and Maj (retd) Dr Abdul Wahab Minar, among others, attended the event.
19-point pledge
Monju, on behalf of former Jamaat leaders, revealed 19 pledges to implement as a political platform.
According to the second pledge, which accused Jamaat of supporting Pakistani occupation forces during Liberation War, the new party wants the war crimes trial to be following international standards.
Another pledge clearly stated that the organisation will be a non-religious one, and it will be open to people of all religious beliefs.
The 14th pledge says, the party does not have any intention to adopt any ideology following a certain theory, and will duly run the country.
Reaction from Jamaat
On Friday evening, Matiur Rahman Akand, organising secretary of Jamaat, said they too were aware of the development, which they believe will not affect their party.
“There is nothing to be worried about,” said Akand, claiming that Jamaat does not have any ‘reformists’ itself as it believes in and wants reforms to take place.