Bangladesh has taken a decisive step by banning the Jamaat-e-Islami party, its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and other associated bodies, effectively silencing a key political force in the country. The ban, announced on Thursday, follows weeks of violent protests across Bangladesh, leaving over 200 people dead and thousands injured. The government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has blamed Jamaat-e-Islami for instigating the unrest, which erupted over a quota system for government jobs. The Ministry of Home Affairs invoked an anti-terrorism law to justify the ban, highlighting the government’s perception of the party as a threat to national security.
The ban on Jamaat-e-Islami is not a recent development. The party has faced restrictions since 2014, when it was barred from participating in national elections following a High Court decision that deemed its constitution incompatible with Bangladesh’s secular principles. The party’s legal battles continued, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that upheld the High Court’s decision, effectively barring it from elections and prohibiting the use of its party symbols. Despite these legal setbacks, Jamaat-e-Islami remained active, engaging in political activities like rallies and issuing statements.
The party’s history is deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. Founded in 1941 during British colonial rule, Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the creation of Bangladesh as an independent state during the 1971 war against Pakistan. The party actively supported the Pakistani military during the conflict, forming militia groups that participated in violence and atrocities against the Bengali population. This historical role continues to cast a shadow on the party, with many of its senior leaders facing convictions for crimes against humanity, including killings, abductions, and rapes committed during the war.
Following Bangladesh’s independence, Jamaat-e-Islami was banned in 1971 for its role in the atrocities. The ban was lifted in 1976, but the party has faced periods of restrictions throughout its existence, including bans in 1959 and 1964 in Pakistan for its communal activities.
The recent ban on Jamaat-e-Islami has been met with strong condemnation from the party itself. Shafiqur Rahman, the party’s chief, denounced the decision as illegal, unauthorized, and unconstitutional. He criticized the Awami League’s 14-party alliance, led by Hasina, for overstepping its authority and creating a dangerous precedent by banning a political party. Rahman warned that such actions could lead to chaos and undermine state order.
The ban on Jamaat-e-Islami raises concerns about freedom of speech and political expression in Bangladesh. While the government cites security concerns and the party’s history of violence, critics argue that the ban sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic principles. The long-standing tension between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami, marked by accusations of political maneuvering and suppression, is likely to continue, potentially further fueling political instability in Bangladesh.
