REPEATED
GRENADE-BOMB ATTACKS AND TARGET OF MILITANT FUNDAMENTALISM : THE DUTY OF
CIVIL SOCIETY
Shahriar Kabir
Bangla Bhai, who reigned some of the Northern districts
with terror, is yet to nab and still continuing his killing, extortion and
torture despite prime minister ordered to arrest him on May 2004 following
the concerns expressed by the foreign missions here. Hundreds of articles
on his infamous activities were published in the dailies in last one month.
While the home minister was asked about it, he said Bangla Bhai couldn’t
be found. Jamaat-e-Islami Aamir and Industry Minister of the alliance government
Matiur Rahman Nizami told that there is no such element called Bangla Bhai,
rather media created such a character. Jamaat has no relation with Jamatul
Muzahidin or any such militant groups.5
While an investigating report of Daily Jugantor said – “Not
only Jagrata Muslim Janata of Bangla Bhai, at least 15/16 militant groups
including Shahadat-e-Al Hikma and Jamatul Muzahidin in the northern districts
were originated from Jamaat. Many of the activists and regional commanders
of this outfits are knows as the Jamaat or Shibir cadres-leaders locally.”6
Many dailies have published articles quoting the police on the involvement
of Jamaat with the militant groups.
The intelligence of the government has failed to provide with information
about the number of militant groups in the country. The intelligence mentioned
only 11 militant outfits in 2003.7 While the media is often publishing articles
on the open, semi-underground and underground organizations involved in
militant and jihadi activities. Following the articles published in the
newspapers the number of militant groups are 43 at present.8 Ten of those
are of Rohinga and Arakan Muslims’, who are equally active in Bangladesh.
It is very difficult to identify the number of their members. Last May (2004)
Jagrata Muslim Janata claimed to have 30,000 members in the country, of
what 10,000 is active and full-timers.9 The number rose to 50,000 in next
eight months with the support of government.10
Government’s patronization and liberal policy on the militant issue
is also applicable for the insurgent groups of India. Many such news-items
were noticed in the media saying BDR with the help of local villages nabbed
armed insurgents, who came from India, and handed over to police, but later
they became traceless. After the inception of the alliance government, several
extremists groups of northeast India welcomed Khaleda Zia, stating, Sheikh
Hasina treats them as separatists and insurgents, while Khaleda Zia termed
them as freedom fighters. Thus, the government has turned the country a
land of terrorists and free-zone for militants and its outfits. The government
strongly protested when ‘New York Times’ run an article on the
rise of Bangla Bhai and militant fundamentalists, while it remained silent
when Scotland Yard reported, “Militant fundamentalists are getting
support of an invisible quarters of the ruling party.”11
The newspapers also said that the huge arms in ten trucks
hauled in Chittagong on April 2, 2004, was brought for the Indian insurgents
or for the militant fundamentalists of Bangladesh. Government as usual froze
the investigation of the case when media exposed the involvement of two
major leaders of alliance government – Industry Minister Matiur Rahman
Nizami and prime minister’s adviser Salauddin Kader Chowdhury. In
the seizure list, there were ‘Arges’ grenades which was charged
on the British High Commissioner, Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League top
leaders, and this year on Shams Kibria.
The newspaper readers of Bangladesh are quite aware about the rise, expand
and objectives of the militant fundamentalists. When these articles were
published in the media like ‘New York Times’, ‘Guardian’,
‘Wall Street Journal’, ‘Time’ and ‘Far Eastern
Review’, government had sent a token protest but none of those newspapers
exposed any information that the Bangladeshi readers do not know. When ‘New
York’ Times published an article on January 23 on the rise of the
militant fundamentalists, a storm of protests ran over the country which
came from the leaders of the government to their aided column writers. But,
the US ambassador said that the article was based on the information published
in the media in Bangladesh. But, the foreign media publishes more important
news which Bangladeshi readers do not know and government does not have
the capacity to protest those.
The leaders of Jamaat always say their party no longer directed on the ideology
of Moududi or direction of Pakistan. But the fact is yet the ideological
Guru Master-mind of both the Bangladesh and Pakistan Jamaat parties is Maulana
Abul Ala Moududi, and the goal and objectives of both the parties are same.
A representative team of Pakistan Jamaat came to Dhaka to join a Shibir
conference in 2004. The delegation team met chief executive Shah Abdul Hannan
of Islami Bank, top Jamaat leaders of Bangladesh like Golam Azam, Motiur
Rahman Nizami, Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid and others. After the completion
of the tour, a leader of the team Munim Jafar Khan wrote an article nn their
monthly newsletter ‘Hum Kadam’ (September, October, November
‘2004) titling “Bangladesh tour of the representatives of central
committee: Narration of witness.” In the article, he said how Jamaat
is utilizing the agriculture ministry, what preparations are they taking
to take possession of Dhaka University, how the Islami Bank is functioning
and so on…
While asked why they were included in the government, Ali Ahsan Muhammad
Mujahid said, “To create proper/positive environment for the party
while working in the government and it was necessary to take steps to overcome
the problems we faced after the independence of the country.” He also
said, “We have control of two ministries – Social Welfare and
Industry – and we had the agriculture earlier. But they took it away
from us as we were doing quite a success in influencing the farmers.”
(See Appendix-1)
The two fundamentalist partners of the alliance government and their undercover
militant fundamentalist outfits identified couple of elements as hindrance
to establish Islamic state in the country. These are 1. Secular and leftist
progressive intellectuals, 2. Leaders, activists and supporters of Awami
League, CPB, Workers Party, JSD, BSD etc. political parties, 3. Minority
and ethnic community, 4. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, 5. Leaders and activists
of NGOs and human rights organisations, 6. Women in the rural areas and
7. All the traditional and cultural arts and art forms of Bangladesh that
bear the spirit of secular Bengali nationalism and history of the liberation
war and its spirit.
We have noticed how cruel Jamaat can be to go and retain in power in the
’71 liberation war. Muslim League and Nezami Islam along with the
Jamaat also worked as collaborator with the Pakistan Army. Now their aim
is to turn Bangladesh into second Pakistan or a Taliban-styled Afganistan
of Mollah Umar. Nezame Islam Pary in a meeting on February 9 said, “The
country is now heading for that state (condition) speedily against what
people of this country (before 1947) wanted Pakistan and established it
though voting and blood. The only way to survive in this situation is the
unity of all the Muslims of this sub-continent. Bangladesh should make military
treaty with Pakistan as ‘two nations--one nationality’ to safeguard
the independence and sovereignty of the country. (Appendix-2)
This saying of Nezame Islam is not novel. The then Amir of Jamaat Golam
Azam prayed to establish the spirit of ’47 instead of ’71 on
a stage with Khaleda Zia before coming into power. Jamaat and other supporting
fundamentalists are heading sternly to turn Bangladesh into a second Pakistan.
Amini, a lawmaker of ‘Islami Oikyo Jote’ yelled in public meets
“No political party can remain in power without Islam…. We have
formed zinda (live) Taliban who are ready to sacrifice blood for Islam.”12
Readers are becoming used to with the everyday news revealing the uprising
of the militant extremists. Even the killings of freedom fighters by bomb/grenade
attack or by knives are becoming everyday news.
Bangladesh had never faced such threats on the existence of the country
and its nationality and spirit of the independence war. It is important
for the civil society to coordinate with the political parties who believes
in the spirit of independence war i.e. secular democracy to safe the country
from its anti Bangalee nationality activities and safeguard the country
from making it a ‘Failed State’ of ‘Taliban State’.
Right now we have to think about our course of actions and we also have
to play more pro-active role. It is very important to make the people aware
about the alliance government’s terrorism, torture, killings, repeated
grenade and bomb attacks, and also to aware them about destruction of the
history of liberation war, in order to make them active to unite and protest.
The torture on the minority and ethnic community is related with the terrorism,
torture, killings, repeated grenade and bomb attacks of the militant fundamentalists.
We would like to submit two proposals from this round-table discussion—
1. To publish a white-paper on the activities of militant fundamentalists
of Bangladesh, and
2. To form a national-level people’s inquary commission to probe the
killing of all grenade and bomb attacks including Kibria.
A people’s inquary commission was formed in 1993 headed by poet Sufia
Kamal to probe the activities of war criminals. Another probe committee
was formed to investigate torture on the minorities after the inception
of alliance government.
It will not be a hard task to resist militant fundamentalists and their
activism if we all gathered in the round table can unite heartily.
Shahriar Kabir
General Secretary
South Asian People’s Union against Fundamentalism and Communalism
Appendix-1
Pakistani Jamate-Islami’s assessment on Bangladeshi Jamat
In
January 2004, a number of Pakistan
Jamaat high-ups visited Bangladesh at the invitation of the ruling coalition
partner Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. During the first week of the month;
they toured different districts including Dhaka and Bogra. Besides participating
in the Annual Sura of Islami Chattra Shibir (ICS), they called on Ali
Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid and Matiur Rahman Nizami--two ministers from Jamaat.
They met one of the most influential members of Jamaat’s advisory
committee Abdul Hannan. The Pak delegation then had a long discussion
and exchange of views with Golam Azam, former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami
Bangladesh.
They went
to Bogra to pay homage to Abdul Malek, the slain leader of Islami Chhatra
Sangha, which used to be the students’ wing of Jamaat during Pakistan
period. In Bogra, they paid a visit to Malek’s house and met his
family.
During their stay in Bangladesh, members of the Pakistan Jamaat discussed
with their Bangladeshi counterparts the prospective strategies for occupying
different educational institutes across the country, especially Dhaka
University. The October 2004 issue of ‘Hum Kadaam’, the official
mouthpiece of Jamiyat-e-Talaba of Pakistan carried a report on the Pak
delegation’s Bangladesh trip. Member of the delegation Munim Jafar
Khan wrote the article titled ‘Bangladesh tour of the members of
Central Shura: Detailed Accounts.’
Below are the excerpts from the article.
................Mujibur Rahman Manju Bhai,
former secretary general of Shibir was present at the conference. He had
handed over his charge as the secretary general only a day ago. However,
following the long tradition of the organization, he was still taking
part in all sorts of organizational activities and he would do so until
the new leadership completely took over the responsibilities. This tradition
however does not exist in Pakistan Jamaat. Two members of Malaysian Islamic
Student Movement stayed at the same hotel with us and together we started
for the annual convention. When we entered the hall room, all the Shathis
(members comprising a mid-level rank of Shibir) gave us a standing ovation.
They shook hands with us and we embraced each other. It really was a great
sight. There were about 24-25 youths, some of whom were wearing Kurta-Pyjamas
while the others were clad in western dresses [pants-shirts], were glowing
with confidence and spirit of camaraderie. It was indeed a great feeling
to get together with them. It was like meeting our long lost brothers.
As we took seats, secretary general of Shibir introduced us with our freinds
of ICS and delivered a welcome speech. After him came Jubair Bhai. He
in his speech said that each of our hearts beat the same and that is because
of Islam, which has tied us tight to each other. After his address, all
the guests were greeted with flowers. On behalf of Jamiyat-e-Talaba, crests
were given to our fellow Malaysian brothers as well as secretary general
of Shibir. A documentary depicting the beginning years of ICS after the
independence of Bangladesh was screened at the convention. By the way,
it should be noted that right after Bangladesh was established, a ban
was imposed on the activities of ICS. After struggling for seven long
years, the organization managed to resume its activities again in 1978
.The formal announcement to this effect came on February 6 from a meeting
at Jam-e Mosque of Dhaka University. On completion of projection of the
documentary, we went to a restaurant named Khushbu. Besides enjoying some
excellent dishes; we had a great time spent with the central shura members
of Shibir. From Khushbu we went back to Grand Azad, the hotel we stayed
at while in Dhaka.
January 3, 2004
According to our itinerary, on the morning of January 3
we were taken to the residence of Ali Ahsan Mujahid. There he was waiting
eagerly to welcome us. Secretary General of ICS and members of the Shura
too were present there. After introductions were made, we were ushered
to the breakfast table where besides having the morning meal we got into
a great conversation.
Ali Ahsan Mujahid is a real gentleman. He is held in great respect because
of his politeness and personalities. He over the years had made an outstanding
contribution to strengthening Jaamat-e-Islami. Besides, currently he is
playing a significant role in the government as a minister from Jamat.
When we asked him why did Jamaat get into the coalition government, he
said, “We joined the government not because we were forced to, but
rather because we deemed it necessary in the context of prevailing political
circumstances of the country. We joined the government with a view to
creating optimum conditions for the party and to overcome the problems
that we had been plagued with after the Independence. Currently we hold
two portfolios—one is Social welfare and the other one is Industries.
Earlier we had the Agriculture Ministry at our hands as well. But we had
to leave that portfolio because we succeeded to a great extent in holding
sway over the farmers of the country. Alhaamddulillah.”
It should be mentioned here that presently Jamaat had 18 seats in the
parliament. During the discussion we were asked about different aspects
of forming government in North-West Frontier Province. Sihab Hossain on
behalf of the delegation replied to these queries. After having breakfast
with honorable Ali Mujahid, we went to visit a coaching center near Dhaka
University campus. Shibir workers are tasked with running the centre.
There we sat in a meeting with members of Dhaka University chapter of
Jamaat. The meeting started with recitation from Holy Quran. After that,
the man in charge of Dhaka University Jamaat gave the welcome speech.
After a pause for prayer, the meeting resumed with me making an address.
Then Jubair Bhai took the floor. A lively question-answer session followed
his speech. The activities of Jamiyat-e-Talaba, IT, global village were
among other issues covered in the session. Nazem of DU Jamaat talked about
Shibir’s activities and the problems it faces in the DU. He said
that universities play a significant role in national politics and that
is why Shibir is resolved to make a strong base in Dhaka University, country’s
premier educational institute. But unfortunately unlike other nationalist
organizations Shibir cannot operate overtly. We were in fact surprised
to know that ICS has as many as 62 Rokans [permanent member], 372 Shathis
and 800 Karmi [worker] in Dhaka University. The number of students in
DU however is larger than that in any university in Pakistan. The student
population in DU now stands around 35 thousand! ICS operates a number
of coaching centers to help students get admitted to different universities
and institutions. These (coaching centres) are operated under different
names. For instance, ‘Retina’ is for students aspiring to
a medical career and ‘Concrete’ for students preparing for
engineering institutues. We asked them how come they still cannot operate
their organization overtly despite having such an organised army of workers.
They said they opt not to go public yet only because the party policy
regarding Dhaka University does not permit them to do so. They however
said that by the grace Almighty Allah they could now openly conduct their
membership campaigns in different dormetories. And, they said, they are
working to establish favorable conditions for overt ICS activities on
the DU campus.
After having been served refreshments, we were taken to the residence
of Shah Abdul Hannan. Mr Hannan is one of the most respected Islamic scholars
in Bangladesh. He served as a secretary to Bangladesh government. He had
long been in the charge of Islamic Bank of Bangladesh, which is one of
the leading finance institutes of the country. The bank is run by Bangladesh
Jamaat. It has 141 branches across the country. Its board of directors
is comprised of among others, some members of Dhaka aristocracy as well
as some renowned economists. The success of Islamic banking in Bangladesh
can easily be an example for other Muslim nations. Abdul Hannan gave us
some detailed insights into Islamic banking. He said leaders of Islamic
movements in different parts of the world should equip themselves with
updated knowledge; especially familiarity with cutting edge information
technology is necessary as we now live in an age of communication. Society
these days evolves very fast and to keep pace with the changes we must
view many things somewhat in a different angle. For example, we cannot
ignore women’s role in the context of ever-changing global scenario.
After having spent over an hour with Mr. Hannan, we returned to our hotel.
While we were on our way back to Hotel, we were shown IBBL headquarters
which stands at the heart of the city.
After Asr prayer, we went to meet former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami professor
Golam Azam. He welcomed us to his home. Only a few days ago, he visited
Pakistan to take part in Maolana Moududi International Conference at the
invitation of Pakistan Jamaat. He said after 33 long years he has been
to Pakistan again. He was overwhelmed by the love and respect he got in
Pakistan, he said. But journey from Haidarabad to Karachi proved tiresome
for him and he even fell ill on return to Dhaka.
We had a long discussion with him about Jamaat’s activities and
future plans. He said due to ill health he spends most of his time at
home. These days he takes part only in ‘Tarbiyoti’ programs
of his party and spends rest of the time mainly in writing.
He has a complete library at his home. So far, he has penned some 70 books.
He gave us some his books and requested us have those translated in Urdu.
Then he shared with us his fond memories with Maolana Moududi and said
Bangladesh Jamaat’s ideology is based on the political thoughts
of Moududi.
As professor Azam kept talking, I stared at him and thought this great
man right in front of me worked for Islam for all his life. And nothing
did ever succeed in distracting him from his ideals, from his loyalty
towards Islam. He was forced to be in exile in Britain from 1972 to 1978
as the then Bangladesh government refused to grant him citizenship. He
was even thrown into prison. He then resorted to law and in the end, came
out successful, as Supreme Court in 1994 ordered the government to give
him citizenship. The court order is considered a milestone in the history
of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. In his 80s the man is still a byword for
determination and persistence.
From professor Golam Azam’s residence, we went to meet Moulana Motiur
Rahman Nizami as scheduled. Nizami, now the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat,
once led Jamiyat-e-Talaba in unified Pakistan. It should be noted here
that Mr. Nizami holds the Industries portfolio as a full minister of the
Four-Party Alliance government. We reached his residence in time, and
there his sons received us cordially. Another son of Nizami is now studying
at Rawalpindi Medical College in Pakistan. Members of ICS central shura
accompanied us in our visit to Nizami’s residence. Shortly after
we got there, Moulana Nizami turned up after attending a government meeting.
At first, we were taken to his chamber. There we had a lively discussion
about issues ranging from current situation in Bangladesh to role of Jamaat.
Secretary General of ICS along with two of his aides took part in the
discussion.
Moulana Nizami said that Islamic movement in Bangladesh, on the one hand,
faces numerous hurdles, but on the other, enjoys a number of advantages
that are rare in many other Muslim countries. In Bangladesh, there is
little conflict reported between different ideologies and little feud
between various Firkas and it’s because there Deobandi are the majority.
There are people from other creeds as well, but the number is not big
enough to incite faction or violence. Moreover, there is no division among
people in terms of language. And most importantly, unlike Pakistan there
does not exist any landlord system. Besides, army in Bangladesh do not
interfere in politics or governance, and that is why Bangladesh Army generals
refused to cocoon Ershad in 1990 when people from all walks of life took
to the streets in a popular uprising against the man.
The biggest problem for Jamaat in Bangladesh is the allegations of opposing
the independence of Bangladesh and collaborating with the Pakistani army
during 1971. These allegations are identical to the ones that some quarters
in Pakistan make against Pakistan Jamaat- e –Islami. They say Jamaat
opposed the creation of Pakistan. But in fact, it was rather the opposite,
as Pakistan Jamaat had always been in favor of an independent Pakistan.
Moulana Nizami said despite these obstacles Jamaat over last few years
have made some valuable progress especially in bridging gaps between his
party and the left-behind class of people, mostly rural farmers. And in
doing so, being at the helm of the Agriculture ministry helped a lot.
As Bangladesh is agrarian society, having the agriculture ministry in
hand always makes a difference in establishing strong relations with the
farming community. And probably that is why; the portfolio was taken away
from Jamaat.
Apart from this Jamaat has managed to have a distinct position in the
political landscape of the country. And in being acceptable among the
people, ICS played a robust role along with Jamaat.The organization now
sets its eyes on different universirties. They believe that supremacy
over different educational institutions will give them an edge over other
political parties. In different universities across the country, pro-Jamaat
teachers have managed to secure a strong base. They always try their utmost
to make sure that Jamaat-minded persons are inducted into teaching staff.
On completion of the discussion, when we presented Moulana Nizami with
a shield, he gladly received the souvenir. From Nizami’s residence
we got back to our hotel rooms and that is how our second day of Bangladesh
tour passed.
January 4,2004
This day was significant in a way that on this day
we paid a visit to Shahid Abdul Malek Bhai’s house in Bogra. We
heard Malek bhai’s name and his contribution to Islamic movement
many a time from our senior leadfers. They used to tell us how great the
man was and how valuable his role was in encouraging them to stand firm
for the truth and for Islam. We started for Bogra at about eight in the
morning. Abdul Malek’s elder brother Abdul Bari received us at Sherpur.
He and Abdul Baset, Malek Bhai’s nephew, led us to Malek Bhai’s
home. There Malek’s another nephew Fazlur Rahman (Jamaat’s
Rokan) welcomed us and introduced to others. We were entertained with
various kinds of fruits and local cuisines. The house built with wood
was hemmed in by scores of coconut trees. ...
Appendix-2
Press Release: Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islami Party Discussion
Unity among the Muslims across
the subcontinent and a military agreement with Pakistan are a must to
ensure the freedom of the Kashmiries and to maintain the sovereignty of
Bangladesh, said speakers at a discussion on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity
Day on February 9, 2005.
Presided over by Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam’s joint secretary-general
Maolana Ismail Jehadi, the discussion was participated by, among others,
Maolana Musa Bill Ijahar, Mufti Maolana Bin-e-Alam Haruni, Mohammad Selim
Ullah Bhuyian, Hafez Maolana Oli Ullah, Maolana Md Yousuf etc.
Mr. Mustafa Anwar Khan in his written speech said Kashmir is the ‘occupied
motherland’ for all Muslims across the globe. Over the years, there
had been a whole lot of war, condemnation, and demonstrations for the
independence of Kashmiris, but all in vain, he said. The oppression on
the Kashmiries by their Hindu rulers goes on unabated till date. Now the
Hindustan is out to occupy our land as well. India constructed the Farakka
Barrage during Pakistan rule, but then they could not withdraw even a
drop of water. But since Bangladesh came into being in 1971, India began
withdrawing water unilaterally and thus making the country almost a desert
land. There had been on numerous occasions demonstrations including long
marches against such behaviors by India. But nothing could convince Indians.
And now they are by river-linking project trying to withdraw water of
some 54 common rivers. There will again be demonstrations, long march,
condemnations but what good will they do? Nothing. Bilateral talks would
never be able to desist India from adopting such selfish policy of unilateral
withdrawal of water from the Trans-boundary Rivers. Water crisis would
make people’s lives unbearable, but would it move India an inch
from its stance? The answer is no. It is now clear that India is out to
turn Bangladesh into another Kashmir or Sikim. They are determined to
erase our identity as a Muslim nation. The people of this country once
fought against the repression and injustices inflicted by the Hindus,
sacrificed their lives to realize Pakistan, and eventually broke free
from the Hindu oppression. Now it seems like the nightmare is here again
to haunt us.
In these circumstances, the only way out is to get the Muslims of the
subcontinent united against India. To keep our sovereignty intact it is
imperative that we strike a military deal with Pakistan. Bangladesh and
Pakistan may be two different countries, but we are one nation as Muslims.
If these two countries can unite in opposition to India by forging a military
agreement then India would be forced to think twice before withdrawing
water. They would not only release water through Farakka but also won’t
dare to think of withdrawing water from the 54 common rivers.
Besides, there are many traitors in this sub-continent with Muslim names.
We must be aware of persons like Ahmed Sharif, Humayun Azad, Shahriar
Kabir, Syed Hasan Imam, Asma Jahangir and many more. They are the enemies
of ISLAM. All they do is spread hatred against Muslims.
Yahya Khan, a drunkard and a man of ill character, led the country to
a war in 1971 only to gratify arrogance and vengeance. And none of the
Muslims or Islam had anything to do with that war.
No one from the Islamists was involved in any of the rapes, murders, robberies
or arsons taken place during the war. People, who preached for secularism
and carried out anti-Islam campaign, perpetrated these acts against humanity.
After 1971, those who came to power were even more despotic than Yahia.
And they soon after the independence began rapes, murders, burglaries
and other crimes against people of this country with a renewed energy.
The then ruling party set off the politics of lies and deceits and that
legacy is still being carried on. Grenade and bomb blasts throughout the
country are the result of that legacy. Of late, dalals [collaborators]
of Hindustan are active again. They are now trying to destabilize the
country in the name of politics of Hartal. We must resist them, otherwise
the country would again be in the grip of India and Muslims would be wiped
off the map of subcontinet. Therefore, the time is high for us to act
against these anti-state quarters.
ROUND TABLE MEETING
