Bangladesh bans Jamaat-e-Islami amidst nationwide unrest

By Tajul Islam

On August 1, 2024, Bangladesh took a decisive step in its fight against terrorism and extremism by officially banning the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) party and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir. This action, undertaken under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, follows widespread unrest and violent protests related to the quota system for government jobs, which the government has attributed to the instigation by these fundamentalist groups. The turmoil led to the deaths of at least 150 people, prompting the government to take severe measures to restore order and security.

The ban was formalized through a gazette notification from the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Citing Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the notification stated that the government had sufficient evidence of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir’s involvement in recent acts of violence and terrorism.

The government underscored its decision with references to previous verdicts by the International Crimes Tribunal, which found several Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) leaders guilty of severe crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. The tribunal’s findings included charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, particularly implicating former Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Ghulam Azam.

Additionally, the government’s notification referenced a 2013 High Court ruling, later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023, which declared JeI’s registration with the Election Commission illegal. This judicial backdrop provided a strong legal foundation for the government’s recent actions. The Law Minister, Anisul Huq, confirmed that JeI and its affiliates would no longer be permitted to engage in political activities under their existing names, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Bangladesh.

International reactions have been mixed. Rossiyskaya Gazeta, a government newspaper in Russia, published a headline stating, “Bangladesh Declares Jamaat-e-Islami a Terrorist Organisation,” highlighting that JeI has been banned in Russia since 2003.

The history of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh is marked by its contentious role during the 1971 war of independence. Founded by Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi, JeI was notorious for its opposition to Bangladeshi independence and collaboration with Pakistani forces. The party and its associated groups, including the Razakar, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and the Peace Committee, were implicated in numerous atrocities against Bengali freedom fighters and the Hindu community. Initially banned by the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami was later allowed to resume activities in 1976 under the military regime of General Ziaur Rahman.

Despite its controversial past, Jamaat-e-Islami has found defenders on the international stage. The United States has historically advocated for JeI’s inclusion in the political process, opposing bans and supporting the party’s right to participate in elections. This stance contrasts sharply with the support from the Soviet Union and India for Bangladesh’s independence and their condemnation of JeI’s actions during the Liberation War.

The unrest that catalyzed the recent ban began on July 17, when student protests demanding reforms in the quota system for government jobs were allegedly hijacked by Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has known connections to Al Qaeda. The protests escalated into widespread violence, causing significant damage to public property and disrupting the internet, resulting in economic losses estimated at over $7 billion.

Following the announcement of the ban, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) activists attempted to mobilize protests across the country. In anticipation of further unrest, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to seal the offices of the banned organizations and their publication house. This response is aimed at preventing Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates from regrouping and continuing their activities under different guises.

The reaction from Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) was swift and defiant. On July 30, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman condemned the decision, labelling it as illegal, unauthorized, and unconstitutional. He argued that the 14-party alliance led by the Awami League did not have the authority to ban another political party, warning that such actions could lead to political chaos and the erosion of state order.

The decision to ban Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliates Islami Chhatra Shibir has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the move argue that it is a necessary step to combat terrorism and ensure national security. They believe that JeI’s history of violence and extremism justifies its exclusion from the political arena. Critics, however, are concerned about the implications for political freedoms and the potential for increased repression of dissenting voices. They warn that banning a political party, even one with a controversial past, sets a dangerous precedent that could be exploited to silence opposition.

The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this decision. The government will need to manage the immediate fallout and address the root causes of unrest and discontent. Effective communication and transparent governance will be key in maintaining public trust and preventing further violence. Additionally, the international community will be watching closely, with some likely to support the ban as a necessary security measure, while others may criticize it as a violation of democratic principles.

In summary, the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir represents a significant development in Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle against terrorism and extremism. It reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining security and order, even as it raises important questions about the balance between security and political freedom. The outcome of this decision will shape Bangladesh’s political landscape and its approach to counterterrorism for years to come.