The Jamaat-e-Islami, once the BNP's prominent alliance partner, held a public rally in Dhaka after a decade on June 10. The rally gathered attention, and it brought forth a controversial claim regarding the Awami League's alleged connections with the party.
During several private television talk shows, former BNP lawmaker Rumeen Farhana made statements implying a historical link between the two parties saying: "The Awami League and Jamaat are old friends. The BNP would have come to power in 2001 even if Jamaat-e-Islami had not gotten 18-20 seats.”
In the aftermath of her remarks, an old video of Rumeen Farhana, the BNP's international affairs secretary, resurfaced on social media, further fuelling the controversy. In the video, she refers to the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami as "two children of the same mother" and "two brothers" with an unbreakable bond, emphasizing their pride and inseparability.
In response to the video, the BNP leader clarified that her speech was delivered at an event in London 12 years ago, and it was based on the political realities of that time.
However, she refused to talk about the Jamaat-e-Islami's recent activities or the BNP's political relationship with them now.
"The BNP is now moving ahead with a one-point movement to topple the government. Only time will show how the Awami League-BNP relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami will be in the future,” she added.
Recent statements on Jamaat
During a television talk show, Rumeen said the BNP would have won the 2001 election even without Jamaat's support. She also highlighted the longstanding association between the Awami League and Jamaat, from the 1986 election to the simultaneous movement in 1994-96.
The Awami League's relationship with the Jamaat-e-Islami has deteriorated over time, particularly after forming an alliance with the BNP in 2001. There have been debates about banning the Jamaat-e-Islami, but the government's stance remains unclear.
Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque recently said Jamaat was allowed to hold the rally in Dhaka due to a political decision.
Rumeen Farhana pointed out two reasons for the government's decision: considering elections with the Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties if the BNP abstains and presenting a united front against radical forces to the international community.
She alleged that the government aims to bridge the electoral divide, keeping the Jamaat-e-Islami under its influence, while swiftly banning groups like Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami and Hizb ut-Tahrir.
Earlier statements on Jamaat
In recent times, the BNP leader has tried to find a kind of link between the government and Jamaat, but in the past, she made completely contradictory statements about the party. In the video circulating on social media, she is seen making a very strong statement in favour of Jamaat.
In a meeting, she is heard saying: "One of my brothers has questioned the distance between the BNP and Jamaat and other Islamist parties. I humbly want to say that BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic parties are two children of one mother. Two brothers. There can be no distance between the two brothers. There can be pride. However, in reality, differences or gaps may exist, but we can once again find common ground and reach a consensus."
“We will sit down and engage in dialogue. We will listen to their perspectives, and they will hear what the BNP has to say. I firmly believe that two brothers can find agreement when they sit together, as we share common goals, a common agenda and a common enemy," she added.
When the video went viral, there was a ruckus in political circles. There was also a huge reaction on social media. However, she later clarified her statement.
Reaction of BNP leaders in Brahmanbaria
Ashuganj BNP General Secretary Habibur Rahman Habib said: "The Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP are entirely separate political parties. The party's high command may need to make various decisions based on the demands of the time. However, Barrister Rumeen Farhana's statement on Jamaat reflects her personal views. The BNP aims to participate in the election under a neutral government after overthrowing Sheikh Hasina."
Sarail Jamaat-e-Islami leader Amir Moniruzzaman said: "Our party will not participate in the election under this government. As for Rumeen Farhana's remarks, time will reveal the truth. Currently, we are actively involved in the movement to topple the government."
Sarail BNP President Anisul Islam Thakur said: "The BNP is a pro-independence force, and the anti-government movement will continue regardless of any particular party's involvement."
He refrained from commenting on Rumeen Farhana's statement.
What did Rumeen Farhana say?
Rumeen Farhana told Dhaka Tribune that she makes statements on any issue in the light of the need of the time.
"Since I do politics, I have to say a lot of things during the transition of the country and the nation. At present, the BNP is waging a one-point movement to topple the government. ”
About the “two children” comment, she stated: “I said that at a political event in London 12 years ago. Maybe the atmosphere was like that back then. What I have said recently is probably the reality today.”
Time will tell what the relationship between the Awami League and the BNP may be with Jamaat in the future, she said.
