The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and former minister said the present Caretaker government is pledge-bound to hold a meaningful and credible election with participation of all political parties of the country.

He gave a clarion call upon all quarters including politicians, intellectuals and journalists of the country to play a responsible role from their respective platforms to hold a meaningful election free from corruption, terrorism and black money by 2008 as per the roadmap declared by the EC so that the government can handover power to the elected government.

Nizami made this call while inaugurating the session of the Central Majlis-e-Shoora of Jamaat-e-Islami at Moghbazar Al-Falah auditorium in the city yesterday. Members of central executive and working committee including Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Abul Kalam Mohammad Yousuf, Nayeb-e-Ameer Maqbul Ahmad and Prof. AKM Nazir Ahmad, Secretary General and former Minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, former deputy leaders of Jamaat parliamentary party Maulana Mohammad Abdus Subhan, Maulana Delwar Hossain Sayedee, Assistant Secretaries General Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, Abdul Quader Molla, ATM Azharul Islam, Barrister Abdur Razzaque, Prof. Mujibur Rahman, Maulana Md Abu Taher and Central Publicity Secretary Prof Md Tasneem Alam were present on the occasion.

Nizami said, "Bangladesh is the third largest Muslim country of the world. The people of the country are devoted to their respective religions on the one hand, and on the other they are respectful of others' faith. Though unexpected incident including communal riot occurs in a neighbouring country but it can never influence Bangladesh."

He stated that a quarter is carrying out media campaign to ban religion-based politics in Bangladesh. Their main target is to ban Islamic politics.

A conspiracy is on to ban Islamic ideology based politics in Bangladesh, which is part of the on going conspiracy across the world, he added.

He said, "Islam is a complete code of life. It gives guideline as regards to politics, economics, education-culture etc. The Zionist forces are hatching conspiracy to ban Islamic politics."

"Those who want to ban Islamic politics, their main target is not only Jamaat-e-Islami but also Islam. In this regard, the government should remain vigilant so that the non-party present government cannot be questioned," he added.

Urging Islamic parties and Ulema to build up a meaningful unity Nizami said it is the need of hour to build up a meaningful unity among Ulema and Islamic political parties. He said, "The parliamentary election in the country was scheduled to be held on 22 January, 2007. But unfortunately a quarter created unjust and illogical violent situation in the country. Consequently, the President was compelled to impose emergency in the country. The President urged Army to assist the Caretaker government formed in the changed situation."

"Credible election could not be held due to withdrawal of 14-party from election. As a result democratic and constitutional continuity has been disappointed which has exerted negative influence on the economy," he added.

Maulana Nizami expressed grave concern over the price hike of essential commodities, which are going out of the reach of the common people. 'Agriculture production and foreign investment are declining. Nobody should not do politics with this,' he added.

He called upon all professional groups including politicians, businessmen, economists to play constructive and responsible role to resist negative impact on economy of the country.

Maulana Nizami said the patriotic army are extending all out co-operation to the government. The Army are the symbol of independence, sovereignty and national unity. At the critical juncture of the country the Army has stood beside the people. Nobody expects the failure of the government. All should play responsible role so that the government cannot be questioned.

Those who want to make Bangladesh dysfunctional and failed state, their aim is to make the Army controversial. All should remain vigilant so that the army does not be controversial, he added.