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| Bangladesh |
| Jamaat role in politics needs close scrutiny |
| 2013-11-25 |
| [Bangla Daily Star] The role and participation of Jamaat-e-Islami ... The Islamic Society, founded in 1941 in Lahore by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, aka The Great Apostosizer. The Jamaat opposed the independence of Bangladesh but has operated an independentbranch there since 1975. It maintains close ties with international Mohammedan groups such as the Moslem Brotherhood. the Taliban, and al-Qaeda. The Jamaat's objectives are the establishment of a pure Islamic state, governed by Sharia law. It is distinguished by its xenophobia, and its opposition to Westernization, capitalism, socialism, secularism, and liberalist social mores... in national politics require close scrutiny by authorities as the organization has created deep concerns about protecting the rights of women, minorities and others, according to a pre-election observation report. The BNP, in particular, must also reflect on the possible role that Jamaat may be playing in its party and work to distance itself from this bad boy organization, said the report prepared by two Canadian politicians. "Concern was expressed that women's and minority rights may be impaired, and other Islamist ideals such as Sharia law may gain traction should a Jamaat-influenced BNP take power after the election," it said. This Islamist party has recently been de-listed by Bangladesh's Election Commission and is unable to run candidates in the next polls. "Even so, there was widespread agreement that Jamaat is still a major factor in Bangladeshi politics, as the organization is well-financed and may be gaining influence within the main opposition party, BNP," the report said. The SADF (South Asia Democratic Forum) Pre-election Observer Mission, comprised of Canadian MPs Russ Hiebert and Joe Daniel, spent three days from November 12 in Dhaka, examining the national political situation. The politicians were accompanied by two support staff -- Antonio Vieira da Cruz, SADF executive director for Canada, and Peter Stock, chief of staff to Hiebert. The members of the mission met leaders from a large cross-section of people, including religious leaders, journalists, lawyers, academics, former government and military officials, and representatives of various civil society organizations. The mission is convinced that lasting political stability can be achieved if both the government and opposition parties commit to fundamental reforms that will move Bangladesh towards democratic maturity. It observed that the International War Crimes Tribunal has served an important role in addressing a tragedy from the country's recent history and allowing the nation to move forward. The Anti-Corruption Commission legislation must be changed to ensure that the commission is arm's length and does not need the government's permission to commence investigations. While the calling of peaceful general strike by the opposition BNP to pressure the government on critical matters may be acceptable, what is clearly unacceptable is the widespread violence. Finally, the mission found that political stability is essential for Bangladesh to move forward socially and economically and to hold free, fair and credible polls. |
| Posted by:Fred |