The US ban has given the Jamaat an opportunity
After a long decade, Jamaat-e-Islami is active again in politics! The party came to the discussion after a long time through the June 10 rally. Jamaat-e-Islami has been active in the field with the support of BNP mainly on the demand of the caretaker government. However, they have admitted that the US visa policy has given them the opportunity to enter the field.
The group has been virtually cornered since the war crimes trial began in 2012. After the cancellation of Jamaat-e-Islami's registration in the Election Commission, it could not participate in any election as a party. Therefore, the party is proceeding with a different strategy in view of the next 12th National Assembly elections. It is known that they want to use the ongoing political situation as an 'opportunity' to return to the politics of Bangladesh.
A mid-level leader of the party, who did not wish to be named, said, “The government is now on the back foot. This is the time for Jamaat to turn around. First, because of the ban on RAB, then because of the visa policy of the United States, the government cannot attack Jamaat like that even if it wants to. Therefore, it is necessary to come down now and prepare the ground for the election, so that a strong role can be taken in the vote and alliance.
Jamaat spokesperson Matiur Rahman Akand said, US ban has given us an opportunity. I hope that if we can fulfill the demands of the caretaker government by dismissing the government, we will be able to move forward with everything including our registration, party, coalition, elections.
Jamaat wants to make its activities visible and participate in the anti-government movement started by the opposition parties including the BNP-led alliance, so that the Jamaat can take part in the elections by maintaining their position and getting registered.
Critics say people still haven't forgotten the controversial role of 1971. Among them, Jamaat-e-Islam was one of the perpetrators of the 2014 petrol bomb attack. Militancy and terrorist activities increased with the help of Jamaat-e-Islam in the country during BNP rule. All in all, they feel that the situation can be confusing if the Jamaat comes to the ground again.
It should be noted that the constitution of Jamaat was in conflict with the principles of the constitution, so the registration of Jamaat-e-Islam was canceled through writ. The group was even once blacklisted in the United States.