Ghulam Parwar: Jamaat-e-Islami Pre- and Post-Independence Not the Same
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Jamaat-e-Islami’s current iteration is fundamentally different from its form before Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war, the party’s Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar stated on Friday. Speaking to journalists in Cumilla after attending a workers’ rally organized by the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation, Parwar asserted that while discussions could be held regarding the political policies and roles of parties during the Pakistan era, significant changes have occurred since independence.
“The Jamaat-e-Islami of the past and the Jamaat of today are not the same,” Parwar said, emphasizing that the party’s constitution, policies, and methods have undergone numerous revisions. He highlighted that the party’s foundational documents acknowledge and respect the struggles of the freedom fighters. Parwar added that membership in Jamaat-e-Islami requires recognition of the sacrifices made for Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and that individuals who do not affirm this cannot become members. He characterized the continued debate surrounding the party’s past by certain factions as a foreign conspiracy aimed at dividing the nation, rather than an act of patriotism or love for independence.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Parwar further referenced a recent speech by the opposition leader in Parliament and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, who addressed a bill concerning the definition of the liberation war. According to Parwar, the opposition leader expressed a desire to move away from divisive politics and pointed out the politically motivated nature of the bill. He noted that Jamaat-e-Islami had previously alerted the government to the bill’s problematic aspects, urging its amendment. Parwar stated that the repeated changes to such definitions, unlike in past governments, are the result of forces seeking to divide the populace.
The Secretary General argued that while controversial discussions and statements can occur in politics globally, clinging to old issues 50 to 60 years after independence prevents national progress. He echoed the Ameer’s sentiment that dwelling on the past hinders the creation of future history. Parwar also noted that branding young Members of Parliament, many born after independence, as anti-liberation or collaborators is not accepted by the public and is met with ridicule.
বিজ্ঞাপন
In his address at the rally, Parwar commented on communist theories, suggesting that while they speak of workers, their rights are not realized in practice. He contended that in nations where Western democracy, socialist, or nationalist ideologies dominate, the implementation of Islamic labor policies is impossible. Parwar posited that an Islamic system of governance is necessary for establishing Islamic labor principles.
The rally was presided over by Rofiqul Islam, president of the Cumilla Metropolitan branch of the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation. Special guests included Maulana AT M Masum, Kazi Din Mohammad, Maulana Yasin Arafat, and Mu. Mujibur Rahman Bhuiyan. The event was moderated by Zillur Rahman and Mu. Main Uddin Sarkar, with further speeches delivered by labor leaders Akhtaruzzaman, Mu. Shafiullah, Nizam Uddin, Kolim Ullah, and Mohiuddin Ripon, among others.
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