Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has accused some political groups of using Islam for political purposes while failing to reflect its principles in their policies and actions.
 
“Those who exploit the name of Islam are nowhere near its teachings,” he said, alleging that a party had removed the phrase ‘Aqimuddin’ from its manifesto and emblem.
 
He also accused the party of following the tactics of the previous fascist regime and working against peace and progress in the country.
 
The minister made the remarks on Friday while addressing the closing session of the annual conference of Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram.
 
Before attending the event, he paid a courtesy visit to Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, who is also the madrasa’s chief director.
 
In his speech, Salahuddin praised Hefazat-e-Islam for its role in protests against the previous government, saying the non-political organisation had continued to speak out against an anti-Islamic government during the movement against fascism.
 
He said the movement was led by Hefazat chief Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari.
 
The minister said Bangladesh had taken 23 years to achieve independence, while it had taken another 16 to 17 years to free the country from fascist and anti-clerical rule.
 
Referring to the Shapla Chattar incident, he said many Islamic scholars had sacrificed their lives, while the identities and burial places of several victims remained unknown.
 
He added that the country had been freed from fascist rule through years of sacrifice.
 
Citing United Nations estimates, Salahuddin said around 1,400 people were killed during the July-August mass uprising. He also claimed that nearly 3,000 people had been subjected to enforced disappearance over the previous 16 to 17 years, saying he was among the victims.
 
He further alleged that around 7,000 people had faced killings and torture, while millions had been harassed through attacks and lawsuits.
 
“Do we want the return of those fascist forces? Who is creating the conditions for their return?” he asked.
 
Speaking about attempts to create unrest in the garment sector, the home minister alleged that forces linked to the previous regime were behind such activities.
 
He also criticised groups that identify themselves as Islamic parties, claiming their election manifestos did not adequately reflect Islamic principles.
 
Referring to the removal of the phrase ‘Aqimuddin’ from a party’s manifesto and emblem, he questioned its commitment to Islamic governance.
 
“They say one thing in public, but their documents tell a different story. They have never stated in their election manifesto that they want Islamic governance or Sharia-based laws. Rather, they have taken a position against Sharia-based governance,” he said.
 
Salahuddin said his party believed in Islamic values and the nationalist political ideals promoted by former president Ziaur Rahman.
 
He said the government wanted to build a united Bangladesh by bringing together people from all communities.
On the July National Charter, the minister said the government would implement the document, which was prepared through lengthy discussions and consultations in line with the expectations of the July mass uprising.
 
He added that Islamic values would also be reflected in the Constitution.
 
Urging political groups to avoid creating confusion in the name of movements, he called for constructive criticism and cooperation with the government.
 
However, he said no one should support actions that went against the interests of the country and its people.
 
Outlining the government’s development priorities, Salahuddin said it aimed to boost economic growth, exports, employment and electricity generation.
 
He also pledged initiatives to improve the living standards of Islamic scholars and students of Qawmi madrasas.
 
Among those present at the programme were State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, Chattogram-2 MP Sarwar Alamgir, Chattogram-6 MP Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury, Chattogram-7 MP Hummam Quader Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Jahidul Islam Mia and Superintendent of Police Masud Alam.