Jamaat-Shibir ban to deal with sabotage: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal stated that the government is fully prepared to address any potential sabotage attempts following the recent ban on the political activities of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir. The statement was made to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday.

The Home Minister's comments came after the publication of a gazette notification that officially bans these organizations as political parties. The ban was initiated by a proposal signed by Law Minister Anisul Haque. According to the Home Minister, the government has the necessary resources and strategies to manage any mischief that may arise as a consequence of this decision.

Earlier in the day, Law Minister Anisul Haque clarified at the Secretariat that individuals affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir who were born after 1971 would not face prosecution solely based on their affiliation. However, they would be prohibited from engaging in political activities under these banners. The Law Minister also emphasized that any criminal acts committed by these individuals would be prosecuted under the laws of Bangladesh.

In response to a query, the Law Minister mentioned the possibility of these groups going underground, likening the situation to historical precedents such as the Naxalbari movement. He reiterated the government's preparedness to handle any underground activities that may emerge as a result of the ban.

The decision to ban Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir was discussed and agreed upon during a meeting of 14 political parties on July 29. The Law Minister subsequently announced that a formal notification would be issued by Wednesday. The matter was further discussed during a meeting involving seven ministers, four secretaries, and top officials of law enforcement agencies at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The executive order, issued on Thursday, enforces the ban on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, marking a significant step in the government's efforts to maintain public order and security.