Jamaat alleges partisan appointments in key positions

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that the government made partisan appointments in key positions of different institutions.

"The main objective of the martyrs and the injured in the July mass uprising was to build a Bangladesh free from fascism, discrimination and injustice, but that aspiration is now being undermined by 'shameless partisan appointments' across the country by the government," he said as the chief guest at a discussion with injured protesters and family members of those killed in the July uprising 2024.

Dhaka city Jamaat organised the event in the capital on Thursday.

He alleged that appointments in government, semi-government and private institutions, as well as in banks, insurance companies, corporations, administration and other important positions, were being made on political considerations rather than merit and patriotism.

"Shameless partisan appointments are now taking place everywhere -in universities, district councils, administration, banks, insurance companies and corporations. Is this not a new form of quota,? asked Dr Shafiqur Rahman who is also the leader of the opposition in parliament.

"Honest and competent people are being removed, while dishonest and corrupt individuals are being placed in important positions to create a paradise of corruption," he continued.

He questioned whether those who sacrificed their lives had done so merely to replace one political party with another.

"They wanted a transformation of the state system itself. But now it seems the country is returning to the same old dark path," he maintained.

"During the 2024 movement, when many political parties distanced themselves by describing it as solely a student movement, Jamaat-e-Islami had openly called on the public and its leaders and activists to stand beside the protesting youths," he said.

However, he said, the party had never claimed credit after the movement succeeded.

"We never claimed that we were the masterminds of the movement, nor did we seek credit by citing the number of our martyrs. We did not even demand elections. Instead, we prioritised standing beside the families of the martyrs and those who were injured," he said.

Mr Dr Shafiqur Rahman also alleged that extortion had spread across the country after August 6, but no effective steps were taken to stop it.

He said they had warned the relevant political leadership about the matter, but nothing had changed.

Referring to the families of the martyrs, he said many had placed greater importance on fulfilling the dreams of those who were killed than on receiving financial assistance.

He said that the father of one martyr had returned the financial aid offered by the party and requested that it be given to a more destitute martyr's family.

"This mindset should serve as a lesson for those who govern the state," he mentioned.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com